“Bigger overpay than Ohtani” – MLB fans react as Red Sox sign pitcher Lucas Giolito on 2-year, $38.5 million deal

Lucas Giolito appeared for three teams last season in the White Sox, LA Angels and the Guardians.

“Bigger overpay than Ohtani” – MLB fans react as Red Sox sign pitcher Lucas Giolito on 2-year, $38.5 million deal

Lucas Giolito (Image via LA Times)

It seems the Boston Red Sox have finally woken up this offseason. After missing out on some big free agents including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team has finally added someone to their pitching roster. As per reports, the team has landed right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito on a 2-year, $38.5 million deal.

This past week saw the Red Sox come under a huge spotlight after shocking reports emerged that they were struggling to land free agent Jordan Montgomery. This led to a fierce reaction among the fans including MLB podcaster Tyler Milliken who blasted the team owners for this.

YouTube video

The team has now agreed to sign Giolito on a two-year deal. However, as per reports from Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal includes an opt-out after the first season. This could make it a one-year deal if the pitcher wishes to leave the franchise after one year.

FS Video

Fan reactions to Red Sox signing Lucas Giolito

After a slow start to the offseason, the Boston Red Sox finally made a move and got their hands on a pitcher they ever desperately looking for. The signing of Lucas Giolito on a two-year deal though has not left the fans amazed as they questioned the management’s decision.

The major reason for the criticism of the fans has been the money involved and the form of Giolito. The pitcher did not have a great time last season and saw himself playing representing three teams.

Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito for the Cleveland Guardians (Image via SI)

After struggling at the Chicago White Sox, he was waived away and claimed by the Los Angeles Angels. As the Anaheim side dropped out of the postseason race, they waived him too. He was later picked up by the Cleveland Guardians.

Things just did not work out for him there as well and after a short spell in Cleveland, he was released. Fans are now comparing his pay structure with Shohei Ohtani, who surprisingly will be making less than him due to him deferring his contract. One fan would write, “Bigger overpay than Ohtani,” while expressing their thoughts on this deal.

https://twitter.com/Ah_Gumel/status/1740873149678563830

During the 2023 season, he finished with a record of 8-15 and a high ERA of 4.88 in 33 games. These numbers do not give out a good reading for any pitcher. However, every sport offers the players a chance to make a comeback.

The 29-year-old southpaw now has the chance to prove to everyone that he could still be a valuable member of the team. A good start with the Red Sox could be exactly what he needs to get back to his best form.

In case you missed it: