Cody Bellinger (Image Via Getty) The New York Yankees are being connected to free-agent pitcher Lucas Giolito as the 2026 season approaches. Reports suggest the club is considering a two-year contract worth about $40-43 million, with a team option for a third year. The move is not viewed as a headline signing but as a practical way to strengthen the rotation while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón recover from injuries.Giolito, 31, is available without restrictions after the Red Sox declined to give him a qualifying offer and he chose not to exercise a $19 million mutual option. Because there is no draft-pick compensation attached, the Yankees could add him without losing future assets.
Contract outlook and expected role
The situation involves a free-agent signing rather than a trade. Projections place his salary between $20 million and $21.5 million in both 2026 and 2027, with a $20 million club option for 2028 that would give the New York Yankees flexibility. • Predicted contract breakdown: • 2026: ~$20-21.5 million • 2027: ~$20-21.5 million • 2028: $20 million club optionIf signed, Lucas Giolito would likely fit near the back of the rotation as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter behind Max Fried, Cole, Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren once the group is fully healthy. He would also provide coverage if Cole or Rodón need more time early in the season.
Why the New York Yankees are interested
The New York Yankees’ focus is on stability without committing long term. • Rotation depth: Giolito has typically handled 150-170 innings when healthy, which would reduce the workload on pitchers such as Luis Gil and Ryan Weathers. • Experience in the division: He has faced AL East teams often and understands the level of competition. • Manageable commitment: A two-year structure limits risk if his performance drops.
What the move offers Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito (Image via Getty)
The deal would provide both financial security and a competitive setting. • Higher guaranteed salary: Two years would exceed the $19 million option he declined. • Chance to contend: The Yankees are expected to remain in the playoff race. • Opportunity to reestablish value: He missed all of 2024 after an internal-brace elbow procedure and dealt with flexor irritation in 2025. A healthy season could improve his market.
Strengths and concerns
Pros • Recorded a 3.41 ERA with a 10-4 record, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP in 26 appearances during 2025. • Former All-Star who can guide younger starters such as Will Warren and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. • Annual salary around $20 million is lower than many top starters while still providing mid-rotation production.Cons • Recent arm injuries create durability concerns. • Entering his early 30s with a heavy career workload. • A fully healthy staff could reduce his role or make him a trade option.
Lucas Giolito: 2025 snapshot
Metric2025 ValueContext ERA 3.41 Solid mid-rotation number in a hitter-friendly era. W–L 10–4 Reflects strong run support and quality starts. Innings pitched ~145 Just over the threshold that converted his option into a mutual one. Strikeouts 121 About 9.7 K/9, showing he still misses bats. WHIP 1.29 Slightly above league average but acceptable for a volume starter. Age 31 Entering his early-30s with a checkered health record. Height / Weight 6’6”, ~230 Classic power-pitcher build with added arm stress.
New York Yankees’ projected 2026 rotation picture
Starter (projected)HandednessRole / Notes Max Fried LHP Clear No. 1; signed to anchor the staff. Gerrit Cole (IR) RHP Expected back in 2026; top-tier upside when healthy. Carlos Rodón (IR) LHP Injury recovery ongoing; potential frontline arm. Cam Schlittler RHP Young, high-ceiling starter; projected No. 3. Will Warren RHP Power arm with swing-and-miss stuff; likely No. 4–5. Luis Gil RHP Electric but inconsistent; depth option. Lucas Giolito (FA) RHP Projected back-of-rotation starter and insurance.
My Two Cents on this Mock Trade
If the signing happens, the New York Yankees would add an established starter without giving up prospects and strengthen the rotation behind Fried, Cole, and Rodón. Lucas Giolito would benefit from a stable contract and the chance to rebuild his value before reaching free agency again.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies predicted to secure $400 million 2x Cy Young to bolster rotation; Alec Bohm key trade asset?The main concern is health. Another arm issue could limit his availability and affect his future earnings. If the staff stays healthy, however, the Yankees could enter 2026 with one of the deeper rotations in the American League.