'It’s Insane' – Former Red Sox Teammate Cannot Understand How Lucas Giolito Remains A Free Agent

“If you look at the two years, OK, I get it, he blew out. But if you just look at the one year for $18 [million], I’d say he outplayed that,” he added. “Then, look at what top-end pitchers are getting, too.”

Giolito initially signed a one-year contract with the Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season. But he missed the entire campaign after injuring his elbow in spring training. He underwent Tommy John surgery before exercising his $19 million player option.

Teams Don’t Appreciate Value Of Seasoned Pitchers Like Lucas Gilito, Says Garrett Crochet

Garret Crochet says it is easy to see why front office executives are more interested in signing talented young pitchers than a seasoned veteran like Lucas Giolito. Although the prospects offer greater potential, Crochet believes there is no substitute for proven experience at the highest level.

“As a GM, I can understand why you’d want the guy that’s younger and throws harder and is a little further removed from TJ and isn’t coming off an injury, but there’s something to be said for doing it at the big league level,” Crochet said.

“A lot of guys never figure it out here. The guys that have—they’ve stayed around, in the past, for a reason,” he added. “When you look at depth, you’re looking at guys who are experienced and have done it, not guys that can do it. That’s not depth. That’s just another prospect.”

Upon returning from surgery, Giolito made his first appearance for the Boston Red Sox at the end of April. He produced 2.1 bWAR for the team after making 26 starts during the regular season. The 31-year-old finished on a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA over 145.0 innings.