Finding quality starting pitching in the middle of April is no easy task, but two teams in search of rotation help could be looking at a former All-Star who remains on the free-agent market.
Lucas Giolito, a 2012 first-round Draft pick and an All-Star in 2019, is drawing interest from both the Cubs and Padres, per sources, though it’s unclear whether either club is prepared to make a move at this point.
Giolito has been throwing bullpen sessions as he waits for an opportunity, recently telling the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast that he’s throwing 75-pitch sessions to keep his arm in shape. The 31-year-old would likely need to go through some type of Spring Training before going on a Minor League assignment, so he won’t be ready to join a big league rotation immediately upon signing.
That Giolito remains a free agent is somewhat surprising. The right-hander went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts (145 innings) for the Red Sox in 2025, but this winter’s market did not present the type of deal Giolito – who was coming off of a two-year, $38.5 million contract with Boston – was seeking.
“The last few months have been very strange to where talks seem like they’re heating up and then it’s like, ‘OK, never mind,’” Giolito said on the podcast. “I just want to play for close to what my value is.”
The Cubs are facing the loss of Cade Horton to season-ending elbow surgery, creating a hole in their rotation. Matthew Boyd (left biceps strain) is expected to return from the injured list during Chicago’s next homestand, slotting in behind Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga. That will leave the No. 5 spot to Javier Assad – who allowed nine runs over 4 1/3 innings in his most recent start on Monday against the Phillies – and Colin Rea, who gave up one run over five innings last week in his only start of the season.
Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is dealing with a sore arm at the moment, leaving him out of the picture for the immediate future. Justin Steele (left UCL revision repair) is on the 60-day IL, and while he’s facing hitters in Arizona, he won't be a rotation option until late May or early June.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said recently that he’s “always looking externally” for pitching help, though it didn’t sound as though any moves were imminent.
“There’s still guys available, so you certainly have those conversations,” Hoyer said. “But I do feel like we went into the season with some depth in the rotation. That was a goal. And some of those guys have pitched really well. So, I think you always have to look at external things. … We never stop that, but it’s also not something that is top of mind. But, certainly, we’re constantly looking for upgrades. I think you have to do that.”
As for the Padres, they are dealing with the loss of Nick Pivetta, who was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on Tuesday. Pivetta dealt with arm fatigue during Spring Training, though it only caused him to miss one start.
Matt Waldron will return from a Minor League rehab stint to take Pivetta’s next start. Griffin Canning (left Achilles tear) and Joe Musgrove (Tommy John surgery) are also working their way back from injuries, though Musgrove’s return is taking longer than anticipated following a spring setback.
The Athletic was first to report the two clubs’ interest in Giolito.
-- Jordan Bastian and AJ Cassavell contributed to this report.