Why Still-New Red Sox Starter Can Finally Execute Vision

BOSTON — Lucas Giolito chose to sign with the Red Sox last winter for the chance to allow pitching coach Andrew Bailey the chance to bring him back to quality production.

That mission never truly got off the ground when Giolito suffered a season-ending elbow injury during spring training. Multiple Red Sox starters took steps forward for a group that still needed more. The additions of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler are significant, though Boston shouldn’t forget what Giolito’s comeback story could look like.

“We were getting really good work done in spring training before I blew out,” Giolito told reporters during “Fenway Fest” Saturday. “We shifted the grip on my slider to get the shape and the profile on the right area and add more velocity. We were working on the changeup and getting that back on the place it needs to be. As soon as I signed with the team, I was super excited to work with Bails. It kind of got put on hold for a year. He had a lot of other stuff he needed to worry about.”

Bailey enhanced several Red Sox arms last season and inherits a far more talented starting rotation in 2025. Giolito joins that group healthy and finally with the chance to show Boston his worth in a new phase of his career.

“I’m excited to work with him,” Giolito said. “I think his philosophy and the way him and the rest of the staff behind, it’s going to be really cool especially with the talent we have. Being able to utilize it in all the right ways.”

Last year’s injury prevented Giolito from taking the ball in front of the home crowd at Fenway Park. Dawning the Red Sox uniform remains a motivating factor for the former All-Star.

“I’ve been looking forward to it,” Giolito added. “Last year definitely had its ups and downs emotionally. Being away from the game like that was super tough. It me gave me the motivation to put that work in and do everything I can to put myself in the best position for success this year. I’m really looking forward to it. Putting this uniform on and stepping on the mound at Fenway for the first time is going to be a special moment.”