Chicago White Sox Rumors: Lucas Giolito speaks on future

In a market that is likely going to be thin in regard to Major League Baseball teams that are selling at the Major League Baseball trade deadline, the Chicago White Sox may be in a position where they will have one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the trade market.

Dating back to May, there has been a growing sense of finality for starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and his time with the White Sox.

USA Today baseball insider Bob Nightengale reported in May that the White Sox are not expected to re-sign Giolito after this season and that if the team falls out of contention, the veteran starting pitcher will be moved at the deadline.

Entering play on Monday, the White Sox are 11 games under .500 and sit 5.5 games out of first place in the American League Central division. It seems inevitable that the White Sox will be soft-sellers at the deadline and Giolito will be one of the players moved by the team.

Giolito and the White Sox have been mum on the rumors surrounding a potential split but the starting pitcher did provide insight into his mindset while speaking on the “Talkin’ Baseball” podcast. 

The end is near for Lucas Giolito’s time with the Chicago White Sox.

Giolito is in the midst of a rebound season with the White Sox after struggling last season. In 15 starts this season, Giolito has posted a 3.54 ERA and that can be attributed to his fastball regaining some velocity as it is averaging 93.3 mph this season and his walk percentage lowering to 7.7%.

Giolito is an easy guy to root for and the fact that the end of his time is nearing with the White Sox just speaks to how drastically the tables have turned for the White Sox.

Giolito and a contract extension with the White Sox was once a foregone conclusion but now, his departure likely will signal the end of the team’s current contention window.