The San Diego Padres weren’t able to do much to their starting rotation this offseason, though they did try. They lost Dylan Cease, and were never able to replace him.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline predicts that they will finally correct that by signing All-Star ace Lucas Giolito. Giolito would reinforce the rotation, and give the Padres a good 1-2-3 punch behind Michael King and Nick Pivetta.
MORE: Royals predicted to sign $5.5 million All-Star to become depth option behind Jac Caglianone
“It is, frankly, absurd that Lucas Giolito remains unsigned. There are understandable concerns about his consistency at this point, but the 31-year-old made 26 starts and pitched 145 innings with a 3.41 ERA last season. He outperformed his metrics, no doubt, but in a league starved for even semi-reliable pitching depth, you could do a lot worse than Giolito as the fourth and fifth leg of your rotation. The Padres couldn’t do much beyond re-signing Michael King this offseason, but Giolito is readily available at a discount even A.J. Preller can (probably) afford. It’s hard to miss spring training and transition straight into regular season baseball, but Giolito has enough pedigree to warrant a look as San Diego looks to reinforce a vulnerable rotation,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Giolito posted a 10-4 record, a 3.41 ERA, 121 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.290 over 145 innings pitched. His advanced metrics show he’s a little shaky, but the bottom line is he wins more often than not and has a decent ERA; two things that are needed for middle-to-end of rotation starters.
MORE: White Sox predicted to sign $7 million two-time All-Star ace to create 1-2 punch with Shane Smith
As for a contract, Giolito’s market value calls for him to receive a three-year, $61 million deal. Although, considering he’s still on the market this far into the 2026 season, getting him on a rental is definitely an option.
Hopefully, the Padres get to signing him soon, as at some point, a team will finally realize he’s still on the market.
MORE MLB NEWS