Dodgers Free Agent Target Lucas Giolito Signs With Boston Red Sox

Long-time Dodgers starting pitching target Lucas Giolito is heading to the Boston Red Sox. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to break the news, announcing that he signed a two-year, $38.5 million contract with Boston.

The Dodgers would have loved to sign Giolito this offseason, but not at that price. L.A. likely saw him as more of a reclamation project for the upcoming season, and Boston gave him an offer that he couldn’t turn down.

The Southern California kid will be heading out East now, and the dream of him coming home is over. Giolito would have slotted into the back end of the rotation with the Dodgers but will likely be given a larger role with the Red Sox now.

However, once he changed teams, everything went downhill for the veteran. His ERA skyrocketed to 6.89 over six starts with the Angels and was ultimately put on waivers shortly after being acquired.

He was then claimed by the Cleveland Guardians but didn’t fare any better. The right-hander posted an ERA of 7.04 over six starts with Cleveland. Despite his struggles, he earned a nice contract from Boston.

With Giolito off the board, the Dodgers will need to look elsewhere to round out their rotation. They need someone who can eat innings, so the front office will have some work to do the rest of the offseason.