Not much went right for the Boston Red Sox over the long, cold offseason.
The club’s promise to be “aggressive” in bolstering the roster turned out to be misleading at best – and a flat-out lie at worst.
Even Rafael Devers couldn’t resist calling out the front office for their hypocrisy…
Rafael Devers opened his Spring Training presser saying the Red Sox need to add more to their roster, per @IanMBrowne pic.twitter.com/MBCTXmxMxU
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 20, 2024
Adding to the frustration for Red Sox fans is the club’s hesitancy to go after much-needed pitching help, especially with Cy Young winner Blake Snell and World Series hero Jordan Montgomery still available on the market.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, the Sox recieved terrible news today when it comes to pitcher Lucas Giolito who they had very high hopes for.
Fresh off signing a two-year, $38.5 million deal, Giolito’s season may be over before it even started.
Manager Alex Cora delivered the disheartening news, revealing that Giolito’s elbow issue might be more severe than initially anticipated.
"Obviously we're concerned" – Alex Cora on Lucas Giolito. pic.twitter.com/zOdA6p9J5X
— NESN (@NESN) March 5, 2024
ESPN’s Jeff Passan provided further insight into Giolito’s condition, reporting that the pitcher is dealing with a partially UCL and a flexor strain.
Such injuries often necessitate Tommy John surgery or an extensive rehabilitation process, casting a shadow over Giolito’s immediate future on the field.
“Brutal news: Initial imaging showed Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain and could miss the 2024 season, league sources tell ESPN. Giolito, who signed a two-year deal with Boston, may need surgery to repair the right-elbow damage,” Passan reported on X.
Brutal news: Initial imaging showed Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain and could miss the 2024 season, league sources tell ESPN. Giolito, who signed a two-year deal with Boston, may need surgery to repair the right-elbow damage.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 5, 2024
Last season, spanning stints with the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians, he struggled, posting an 8-15 record with a 4.88 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 184 1/3 innings.
His form notably deteriorated in the final months of the season, culminating in a 7.14 ERA over his last 11 starts.
The recurrence of elbow troubles is a familiar setback for Giolito, dating back to his high school days.
Despite being touted as a top draft prospect, concerns about his elbow caused him to slip to the 16th overall pick, where he was selected by the Nationals … Shortly after joining the organization, Giolito underwent Tommy John surgery.
Natan Eovaldi contract: 2 Years $34MM
Lucas Giolito contract: 2 years 38MM
Well Done, @redsox!
— Dr. Jim Dalfino (@jimdalfino) March 5, 2024
Despite early setbacks, Giolito showcased his potential with the White Sox, earning an All-Star nod in 2019 and placing in Cy Young voting for three consecutive seasons.
However, his performance took a downturn in 2022, and last year proved to be particularly challenging for the talented yet troubled Giolito.
yeah i think we all knew this
— Depressed Red Sox Fan (@TheDepressedSox) March 5, 2024
For Giolito, joining the Red Sox presented an opportunity for redemption and a chance to reaffirm his status as a top-tier pitcher.
Instead, he faces uncertainty as he may very well have to miss the entire 2024 season.
Lucas Giolito Red Sox tenure pic.twitter.com/qPwZjqYNuI
— Pod On Lansdowne (@PodOnLansdowne) March 5, 2024
In Giolito’s absence, the Red Sox will turn to alternative options for their Opening Day starter, with Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello emerging as potential candidates.
The ONLY good thing about the Giolito injury news is it may very well “force” the Red Sox to finally pull the trigger on Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery.
Boston has been considered one of the favorites for Montgomery, even prior to the Giolito news.
Now that we know the severe extent of the injury, there is literally zero excuse for the Sox not to land one of the star pitchers.
Red Sox leaving the offseason with Jordan Montgomery AND Blake Snell https://t.co/fBLM7Ogkw1 pic.twitter.com/8W9wKRcpqS
— A͓̽d͓̽a͓̽m͓̽ (@GuangdongTigers) February 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on Giolito’s injury?
Do you think the Sox will sign Snell or (more likely) Montgomery in response to the news?
(If anything, it would be a nice bone to throw to loyal Sox fans who have had to witness owner John Henry turn into a grumpy old penny-pincher.)
What do you think will end up happening???
Scott Boras after hearing Rafael Devers say the Red Sox need to add more pic.twitter.com/QFhP435bkv
— Robbie Hyde (@gingersnaphyde) February 20, 2024