After a crushing playoff loss to the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox now turn their focus to 2026.
Even though they were knocked out in the first round, Boston posted an 89-73 record and reached the postseason for the first time since 2021. Young talents such as Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Connelly Early have given fans plenty of optimism for the future.
The offseason could bring roster changes, and Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer expects the Red Sox to move on from All-Star pitcher Lucas Giolito.
“Giolito’s $14 million club option became a mutual option when he surpassed 140 innings in September,” Rymer noted Thursday. “That essentially pointed toward free agency. An elbow injury that sidelined him for the playoffs adds some uncertainty, but at least he avoided another major surgery.
Testing the market still seems likely, though his next contract could be incentive-heavy. If he leaves, Boston has no shortage of alternatives for the rotation, including arms like Kyle Harrison and Connelly Early.”
Giolito had an impressive comeback season after missing all of 2024, finishing 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 26 outings. However, the 31-year-old is on a two-year, $38.5 million deal with a mutual option for next season, per Spotrac.
With his injury clouding his future and Boston stocked with pitching depth, it wouldn’t be a shock if Giolito isn’t part of the Red Sox roster next year.
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