Red Sox Insiders Hint at Likely Lucas Giolito Return in 2026

The Boston Red Sox rotation is nearing full strength following a string of spring training injuries. Brayan Bello returned to action on April 22, and Lucas Giolito appears to be next in line, possibly making his long-awaited debut during the April 29–May 1 series against the Blue Jays.

Giolito, who signed with Boston prior to the 2024 season, has yet to pitch for the team due to a season-ending elbow injury last year and a hamstring strain in spring training. While his impact has yet to be felt on the field, insiders suggest that Giolito might stick around longer than originally expected.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam on the Fenway Rundown podcast, Giolito’s contract includes a club option for 2026 worth $14 million. That option becomes available if he fails to reach 140 innings pitched in 2025 — a milestone that now seems increasingly unlikely.

“It was originally a one-year deal,” Cotillo explained, “but if he doesn’t hit 140 innings — and at this point, that’s almost a given — the team holds the option for 2026.”

Given Giolito’s prolonged recovery from UCL surgery and a missed month of the season, it’s doubtful he’ll reach the innings threshold. Had he been healthy, he could’ve logged 25–30 innings by now, as McAdam noted.

Ultimately, whether Boston exercises that option will depend on Giolito’s performance. A strong return could make the decision easy, especially with Walker Buehler on just a one-year contract and his future in Boston uncertain.

Giolito hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023, and his upcoming starts will give the Red Sox a better sense of whether he can bounce back and become a reliable rotation piece again.