Lucas Giolito is still a free agent as the new year approaches. While he waits for offers from teams, the veteran pitcher wouldn’t be surprised if the Red Sox don’t reunite with him.

“I loved it there and I would have loved to go back,” Giolito told WEEI’s Rob Bradford on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “I still would, but if you look at the writing on the wall I don’t think they need another starting pitcher. That’s business, baby. That’s how it goes.”

The Red Sox, who have yet to sign a free agent this winter, traded for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, and have a slew of pitchers eyeing a spot in the rotation in 2026.

Giolito signed with Boston in December 2023 but missed the entire 2024 season after the right-hander underwent an internal brace procedure to repair a damaged elbow.

He made his debut in 2025 and had a decent season with a 3.41 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 145 innings. Giolito, along with Brayan Bello, helped the back end of the rotation behind Garrett Crochet and helped lift Boston to its first postseason since 2021.

However, Giolito was ruled out of the playoffs due to elbow soreness.

Giolito’s mutual option was declined and he became a free agent.

The pitching market overall has been slow with names like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt and Tatsuya Imai still available.

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