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15 hours ago
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The Boston Red Sox had Alex Bregman opt out of his contract early on Monday.
By the end of the day, so had veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito.
Giolito's contract actually contained a mutual option, which meant both sides would have to have wanted a reunion to opt in to 2026. But Giolito declined that, according to The Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
Giolito signed with the Red Sox before the 2024 season, but things started out poorly. He tore his UCL in spring training that season and didn't throw the entire year.
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He came back to Boston this season and struggled early, but he was strong down the stretch.
MLB Trade Rumors writes that Giolito had a 2.51 ERA in 111.1 innings from June 10 through the end of the season.
Giolito didn't make it to the playoff roster for Boston, though, due to flexor irritation and a bone issue in his throwing elbow.
He would've been due $19 million on his mutual option, but instead, he chooses free agency.
Boston knows it'll have Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello back for its pitching rotation, along with probable youngster choices Payton Tolle and Connelly Early.
The Red Sox may shape up to sign some sort of veteran pitcher akin to Giolito now that they've lost him, too.
Giolito himself could come back, too. There's nothing to suggest he wouldn't at least consider that on a multi-year deal. But there are plenty of teams and players in the free agent sea.
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