Former Red Sox ace Lucas Giolito reveals 'strange' reason behind extended free agency

Lucas Giolito surprisingly remains unsigned with the MLB regular season already at the end of the second week of April. Despite logging 26 starts for a respectable 3.41 ERA and 10-4 record in 2025, the former Boston Red Sox has been unable to attract interest on the free agent market.

One of the primary reasons his free agency has extended is the potential concern around how he ended last season. The right-hander was on the injured list due to flexor irritation. The 31-year-old has already stated that he has recovered from the injury, but MLB teams have not made moves on him.

For the first time in a while, Giolito talked in depth regarding his extended free agency during his appearance on The Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast with WEEI’s Rob Bradford this week.

More: Injured former Boston Red Sox pitcher predicted to sign new contract with NL contender
 

Lucas Giolito wants to get paid respectfully

According to Spotrac, Lucas Giolito's market value is $20.4 million per season. Giolito is potentially seeking a three-year, $61.3 million deal. Anybody who comes close to that, the right-hander is ready to lace up his shoes.

“I just want to play for close to what my value is,” Giolito told Bradford. “Everything is based on these models now. Everyone uses projection and models. My agency (CAA) does the same thing. When you look at models and projections (for value), it’s like ‘alright cool, give me something that’s relatively close to that.’ Let’s go and get it. I’m ready to go.”

Giolito also discussed how the free agency has gone so far with talks heating up before they get shut down.

“The last few months have been very strange. Talks seem like they’re heating up, then it’s like ‘ok never mind,'” he added. 

The right-hander admitted that he doesn't mind being asked to pitch in Triple-A before being promoted to the majors, as he's ready to do what will be asked of him. 

Several teams could really use his services in the majors and one of them is the Houston Astros, who are missing starters Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown due to shoulder strain in the first couple of weeks.

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