Hahn, Giolito discuss arbitration filings

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A few hours after Lucas Giolito expressed his frustration with the inability to come to terms on a deal with the White Sox before the arbitration deadline, general manager Rick Hahn reiterated the team’s long history with the pitcher and described the situation as “a function of the arbitration process.”

It is not a reflection on the club’s relationship with Giolito, Hahn said.

“I think our track record of winding up in two hearings over the last 20 years shows that obviously, we're motivated to get something done with any of our players to avoid a hearing,” Hahn said Wednesday afternoon. “As for the perception that this could potentially cause a longer-term issue between us and Lucas, I don't view that as the case. We've had, as I said, a long and successful history with Lucas and a deep relationship with him. And I certainly don't think this is going to have -- regardless of any result – a negative impact on that relationship going forward.”

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Giolito -- who earned $4.15 million in 2021 -- filed at $7.5 million, while the White Sox came in at $7.3 million. The two sides are on track for an arbitration hearing sometime during the regular season, but they still can come to an agreement beforehand.

“Last year on Lucas, there was a slightly larger gap at the end, and we reached to get something done and were successful,” Hahn said. “We tried to reach again this year, and thus far, we have come up a little short. We're 200 grand apart sitting here today and it seems to be a small gap. We'll see where things go.”

The White Sox settled with arbitration-eligible players Adam Engel on a contract for $2 million and Reynaldo López for $2.625 million Tuesday. Giolito was hopeful he would have a deal as well and expressed his concerns Wednesday morning.

“Like I've always said about like extensions and stuff, I absolutely love this team,” Giolito said. “The more I play, the more I understand my value as a player, and I just want what’s fair.”

Hahn and Giolito met face to face Wednesday to discuss the situation.

“Again, we got a long history going back to 2016 when we first acquired him, and we've been through a lot together,” Hahn said. “I certainly understand being frustrated. We're all frustrated. That's the nature of negotiations at times. It was a good talk today, and as I said, I don't foresee any lingering or long-term issues between.”

While the White Sox general manager did not rule out the possibility of reaching a deal with Giolito before a hearing, he did not elaborate.

“Whether it's free agency, trades, arbitration negotiation, or long-term deal negotiations, you have never heard me stand out here talking about how ‘we're this close’ or ‘we're this far’ and ‘this is how the process has proceeded,’” Hahn said. “I don't think that's conducive to having productive conversations with agents over the course of time or with teams. I’d rather show you the baby than talk about the labor.”