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Red Sox Veteran Begs Front Office Not to Trade Him at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 7:00 AM ET

If the Boston Red Sox were to fall out of contention during July, they could have a hectic MLB trade deadline. The roster is littered with players other teams would be willing to buy.

But for Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito, he doesn't want to be traded. In a recent article from Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, he even revealed that he's essentially begging the front office not to be traded.

"I don't want to be traded," Giolito said. "I really love it here. I want to help this team win games to the end. I'm really pulling for us here."

Giolito's desire to stay in Boston is commendable, and when looking at his history, it makes sense. He was previously traded from the Chicago White Sox, which affected him.

"I had been in Chicago for so long that I didn't realize the impact it would have on me getting traded," Giolito explained, "... I was going through a lot during that period... I have no desire to go through that again."

In 2023, Giolito had a 3.79 ERA in 21 starts for the White Sox and was having a strong season. But he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels and put up a 6.89 ERA in six starts before being released.

HE then found his way to the Cleveland Guardians, where he struggled again with a 7.04 ERA. After his tumultuous 2023, he suffered a season-ending injury before the season began in 2024 and missed his first season in Boston.

Now back on the mound, Giolito is finding his groove. His 3.99 ERA is much better than at the start of the year. More importantly, Giolito is happy in Boston, and based on his comments, he doesn't want to be traded again.

Giolito's in the final year of a two-year, $37 million deal. He also has a club option for 2026, and if he continues to improve like he has so far this season, the Red Sox may consider picking it up.

But, they will not have to trade him first. With the team teetering between competing and selling, Giolito is worried he'd be one of the players shipped off. In Cotillo's piece, he's begging not to be traded, as the experience was challenging for him in 2023, and he doesn't want to go through it again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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