Part 6/13:
The Red Sox reportedly extended a qualifying offer to Giolito, worth approximately $22 million, but the decision hinges on whether they see him as part of their future plans. The team faces a strategic choice: invest in Giolito to anchor the rotation or allocate resources elsewhere, potentially pursuing a trade to acquire a more costly No. 2 starter.
Rotation Strategy and the Prospect of a Trade
Maloney suggested that Patrick Sandoval could serve as a replacement for Giolito, especially considering his recent contract structure—a two-year deal with incentives aimed at rehab and rotation presence. Investing in Sandoval could free up capital to acquire an established No. 2 starter, bolstering the rotation’s depth with promising young arms.