The San Diego Padres have signed Lucas Giolito, the last notable free agent starting pitcher, to a one-year contract. He will start at low-A Lake Elsinore to build up before joining the team by mid-May. Giolito’s contract includes a guaranteed salary of $1.5 million, a potential $5 million bonus, and a mutual option buyout in 2027.
At 31, Giolito had a solid 2025 season with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Red Sox. He previously underwent surgery for a torn UCL, missing the 2024 season but is now training in Florida and expected to be ready for minimal restrictions by his arrival.
The Padres have a strong 16-7 record but face challenges in their starting rotation due to injuries to key pitchers Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove. They’ve added Matt Waldron to the rotation while relying on strong performances from Randy Vazquez and Michael King. With Giolito, the Padres aim to reinforce their pitching depth amid uncertainties caused by recent injuries.
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