BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox have made a strategic addition to their pitching roster for the 2024 season by signing right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract, with an option for the player for 2025. To accommodate Giolito on their 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated right-hander Mauricio Llovera for assignment.
Giolito, 29, has been a prominent figure in the American League, receiving votes for the Cy Young Award in each season from 2019 to 2021 and earning a selection to the All-Star game in 2019. His consistency is evident, having made at least 30 starts in each of the last three seasons (2021-2023). Since 2018, Giolito ranks among the AL leaders in several key pitching categories, including starts, innings pitched, strikeouts, and complete games. Originally drafted by Washington in the first round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Giolito has accumulated a career record of 61-62 with a 4.43 ERA over 180 games, including stints with the Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians.
In the 2023 season, Giolito started 21 games for the White Sox, posting a 3.79 ERA before moving to the Angels and then the Guardians, ending the season with an 8-15 record and a 4.88 ERA. He also demonstrated a strong performance against AL East clubs, notably delivering a remarkable 6.0 scoreless, hitless innings at Yankee Stadium.
Mauricio Llovera, 27, joined the Red Sox mid-season in 2023 after being claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. In his tenure with Boston, he recorded a 5.46 ERA over 25 games. Llovera, who started his Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies, has a career ERA of 5.80 across 54 games in the major leagues.
The Red Sox’s 40-man roster now includes 24 pitchers, with Giolito’s addition strengthening a diverse and talented pitching staff. The roster also features two catchers, seven infielders, five outfielders, and two players who can cover both infield and outfield positions. This blend of experienced and emerging talents indicates the Red Sox’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.