Padres announce signing of All-Star pitcher who had a 3.41 ERA with Red Sox in 2025

The San Diego Padres are tied atop the NL West with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Padres could still use more upgrades to the roster.

Specifically, the Padres could use another starting pitcher, as Nick Pivetta's injury is a concern, while Walker Buehler hasn't been good enough to stop A.J. Preller from adding help.

And on Wednesday afternoon, the Padres announced that they have signed an All-Star free agent pitcher to a one-year deal with an option for 2027. That pitcher is Lucas Giolito, who had a strong year with the Boston Red Sox in 0225.

Padres sign Lucas Giolito to one-year deal

"Welcome to San Diego, Lucas! We have signed right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2027 season," the Padres announced.

This signing for the Padres is a welcome one, as the starting rotation is getting a nice boost with the addition of a veteran right-hander like Giolito.

Last year for the Red Sox, he made 26 starts and posted a 3.41 ERA with a 10-4 record and 2.1 bWAR. He missed all of 2024 and had a 4.88 ERA in 2023 and a 4.90 ERA in 2022.

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But his most recent production was very encouraging. The Padres could use Giolito's services, with the rotation having some shaky production from a few starters.

Buehler has a 4.58 ERA in four starts this season, while German Marquez has a 3.86 ERA on the year so far. Neither is a massive negative, but if Giolito can replicate what he did last year for the Padres this season, he'd be an upgrade over two of the Padres starters.

And with Pivetta on the injured list, and Joe Musgrove yet to return to the rotation, adding Giolito is a great pickup for Preller and the Padres.

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