Chicago White Sox Prospect Highlight: Lucas Giolito

By Josh Marshall | Feb 16, 2017

Jun 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (44) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Lucas Giolito came over to the Chicago White Sox in a trade that sent Adam Eaton to Washington. Giolito already has major league experience but will that transpire on the mound for the White Sox?

The Chicago White Sox made a couple of big rebuilding moves this off season. The Chris Sale trade with the Boston Red Sox gets most of the attention, but today we are going to take a look at an elite pitching prospect who the Sox got from the Washington Nationals. Lucas Giolito is a talented guy who could make a big impact for the White Sox in 2017 and beyond.

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To get a feel for Giolito as a player, let’s take a look back at his time with the Nationals.

Giolito was drafted by the Washington Nationals 16th overall in the 2012 Amateur Draft. Many had Giolito being a top of the first round selection, but an elbow issue saw him fall to Washington at 16.

A few days after Giolito signed his rookie contract, Washington had him scheduled for Tommy John Surgery for ligament damage in his elbow.

After undergoing a successful surgery, it wasn’t until the 2014 season where Giolito played a full season. Giolito spent 2014 in Class A ball with the Hagerstown Suns of the South Atlantic League. Giolito went 10-2 with a 2.20 ERA and 110 strikeouts. He was named Most Valuable Pitcher of the South Atlantic League and the leagues’ best Minor League prospect.

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The 2015 season saw Giolito start out with the Potomac Nationals of Class A-advanced Carolina League. He later earned a call up to class AA Harrisburg Senators. 2015 was an average year for Giolito he went 7-7 with a 3.15 ERA.

To start out the 2016 season, the Nationals assigned Giolito to the Harrisburg Senators class AA. Giolito quickly got promoted to Triple A where he had some nice success.

In the middle of the 2016 season, Giolito found himself added to the Washington Nationals active roster. He started his career with a bang in a start against the New York Mets. Unfortunately, after pitching four shutout innings and only allowing one hit, his start was delayed due to rain.

Giolito finished with an 0-1 record with Washington and a 6.75 ERA in six starts. To say Giolito’s major league career thus far has been disappointing is an understatement. However, that should not shy away White Sox fans. He is still a talented pitcher who has a lot of upside going forward.

He spoke about his frustration in Washington and how he over-complicated things and got in his own head, according to Daryl Van Schouwen.

"“For me, it’s get back to basics, keep it really simple. Last year, I overcomplicated things a little too much in my head, got a little out of whack.”"

With spring training already under way, Giolito is expected to compete for a roster spot on the Chicago White Sox. He has all the tools and skill to make the team. With the White Sox heavy in a rebuild, there is no reason why they wont give him a shot at the majors barring any setbacks.

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White Sox fans should expect to see Giolito sooner rather than later as he already has Major League experience with Washington. He is also clearly a major league caliber talent. One thing that needs to be remembered is the fact that he is only 22-years-old and really only has six games under his belt at the MLB level.

With the help of White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper, Giolito is a star in the making.

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