MLB trade rumors: San Francisco Giants could target $38.5 million Boston Red Sox star to bolster opening rotation and improve title odds

The San Francisco Giantsare still looking for pitching help ahead of the 2026 season, and Lucas Giolito remains one of the most notable starters available. The former Boston Red Sox pitcher has not signed with a team yet, and his name continues to surface in discussions involving San Francisco.There is no confirmed deal between the Giants and Giolito. Still, the possibility of a move has been widely discussed because the Giants’ rotation has several durability concerns. If the team signs him, Giolito would likely slot in behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray and provide another experienced starter.San Francisco Giants’ projected starting rotation for 2026 includes Logan Webb at the top, followed by Robbie Ray. Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle were added on short-term deals and are expected to fill the middle spots. Landen Roupp currently rounds out the five-man group.Injuries remain the biggest concern. Tyler Mahle and Landen Roupp have both had health problems in recent seasons, which raises doubts about how dependable the rotation will be over a full season. The bullpen is also dealing with issues, as Erik Miller is recovering from a back injury and Joel Peguero is managing a hamstring problem.Despite these issues, the Giants have not traded away any major pitchers. The roster has largely remained the same, with the team focused on keeping its current group healthy.One scenario being discussed is a sign-and-trade type arrangement. In that situation, the San Francisco Giants could sign Lucas Giolito to a two-year contract worth about $35 million. A mid-level prospect such as Carson Seymour could be included if another team is involved in facilitating the deal.If Giolito joined the team, he would likely become the No. 3 starter behind Webb and Ray. Roupp could then move into a long-relief role if the team needed flexibility.Oracle Park could also work in Lucas Giolito’s favor. The ballpark is known for helping pitchers, which may reduce the home run issues he has dealt with in recent seasons.Lucas Giolito would add another experienced arm to a rotation that may struggle to stay healthy. He pitched 145 innings in 2025 and showed he can still handle a steady workload.He has also performed at a high level before. From 2019 through 2021, Giolito was one of the more reliable starters in the league and posted a 3.41 ERA during that stretch.Signing him would allow the Giants to strengthen their rotation without trading away top prospects such as Bryce Eldridge.Projections suggest Giolito could finish the 2026 season with an ERA between 3.90 and 4.20 if he pitches in San Francisco. His career splits also show that he has generally performed better in conditions that limit home runs.If the San Francisco Giants sign Lucas Giolito without giving up major prospects, the move would address one of the team’s biggest concerns. A rotation that includes Webb, Ray, and Giolito would provide more stability.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Mets urged to chase $15.4 million Orix Buffaloes star to boost 2026 playoff pushFor Giolito, pitching in San Francisco could help limit home runs and give him a chance to rebuild his value. The move carries some risk, but it would give the Giants another experienced starter as they try to stay competitive in the NL West.