Cubs, Padres reportedly interested in former All-Star Lucas Giolito

Lucas Giolito may be the best starting pitcher remaining in free agency. He may find a home for the 2026 season soon.

According to Patrick Mooney, Ken Rosenthal, Dennis Lin and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are showing interest in Giolito. Giolito said that he had talks with several teams but nothing came of those conversations due to a difference of opinion regarding his value.

At first glance, Giolito had a solid showing in his first year back following internal brace surgery on his right elbow, which cost him the entire 2024 season. He posted a 3.41 ERA and a 1.290 WHiP over his 145 innings, striking out 141 batters with 56 walks. That was a respectable performance for a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

Cubs, Padres may not be only teams interested in Lucas Giolito

The problem is that Giolito's success in 2025 may not be sustainable. His .275 batting average on balls in play against was 20 points below league average. Likewise, his 19.7% strikeout and 9.1% walk rates were subpar. Chances are, Giolito will have some regression in 2026.

That does not mean that he would be unable to help another team. The Cubs and Padres have openings in their rotation due to injuries. Another team such as the Houston Astros, who have three of the five starting pitchers on their Opening Day roster on the Injured List, could be a possible landing spot. The Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds have openings in their rotations as well.