Red Sox Rumors: Spicy trade target, long-awaited debut, Duran guided by legend

Red Sox Rumors: Lucas Giolito emerging as big-name trade target

Yes, the hope for the Red Sox is that James Paxton’s return to the rotation, in addition to getting the likes of Garrett Whitlock and others in the mix once they’re healthy, will give the starting pitching a boost. But there’s also a chance that, if they keep winning and in playoff contention, that could be the first place they look at the trade deadline.

So where would Chaim Bloom and the organization look?

The other Sox, the ones on the southside of Chicago, have all but bottomed out this season and, thus, could be major sellers at the trade deadline. And they have a bevy of options for them to sell, particularly on the pitching staff. But Lucas Giolito is the guy that should be of interest to Boston.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) questioned whether the White Sox would keep Giolito in any fire sale. And that makes perfect sense as he might be their best asset based on this season’s performance.

In eight starts, Giolito already has five Quality Starts to his credit while posting a 3.59 ERA and 1.11 WHIP on the year. He’s looked back in All-Star-caliber form but has just been saddled with a Chicago team that just looks lost.

If the Red Sox can offer some high-end prospects for Giolito, he would be a phenomenal fit in the rotation, especially if Chris Sale can continue on the uptick as he has been recently. That’s a fantastic 1-2 punch that would answer a ton of questions about Boston’s ceiling in the 2023 season.