The New York Yankees are almost certain to add at least one starting pitcher during the offseason. After all, the club has some major question marks regarding their current rotation. Both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will miss at least the start of the 2026 season due to injuries. Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt have also dealt with multiple issues in the past.
While the Yankees need starting pitching, they are not expected to sign one of the top remaining free agents. According to Bleacher Report’s latest predictions, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen are expected to join other teams. This comes after Tatsuya Imai shocked many around Major League Baseball by signing with the Houston Astros.
Instead, the outlet claims that New York will eventually land Lucas Giolito this winter. Bleacher Report predicts that the veteran would agree to a two-year, $43 million contract to play in the Bronx. The deal, according to B/R, could also include a $20 million team option for the 2028 season.
Giolito, 31, was an All-Star for the Chicago White Sox during the 2019 season. The pitcher compiled a 3.41 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 5.4 WAR, and 228 strikeouts in the year. He also finished inside the top 11 of the Cy Young voting in three consecutive seasons with the White Sox.
New York Yankees may not be Concerned With Lucas Giolito’s Injury History
GettyLucas Giolito has dealt with multiple elbow injuries in the last two years.
Although Giolito established himself as a frontline starter in Chicago, he eventually endured tough back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023. The veteran then missed the entire 2024 campaign due to an elbow injury. Despite putting up solid numbers in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox, another elbow issue forced Giolito to miss the postseason.
New York’s interest in the free agent pitcher would be intriguing because they are already dealing with injuries in their rotation. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, however, believes that the potential problem may not put off the Yankees. In fact, the team is also being linked with a trade for Edward Cabrera. The Miami Marlins star, like Giolito, has dealt with various issues in the past.
“Ironically, it could be the Yankees—a team with injury questions surrounding Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon—that make the most sense for Giolito,” claims Kelly. “If they’re willing to consider another pitcher with a lengthy injury history via trade in Edward Cabrera, why would they shy away from Giolito?”
Star Pitcher Claims That He Is Now Injury Free
Giolito has attempted to ease concerns over his previous elbow injuries since the 2025 season ended. In December, the veteran told Rob Bradford of Baseball Isn’t Boring that he is now completely healthy and that his recent issue was minor. Following Boston’s failed playoff run, Giolito declined his $19 million option to remain with the club in 2026.
If Bleacher Report’s contract prediction is true, the pitcher will earn slightly more money annually with a new team. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether clubs around the league are willing to meet Giolito’s demands, given his recent injury woes.
The Yankees could ultimately see Giolito as a solid backup option in their pursuit of a reliable starting pitcher. Valdez and Suarez will certainly cost more money than Giolito. Acquiring Cabrera via trade would also mean that New York has to give up something significant to Miami.
Yankees Predicted to Sign Star Despite Injury Concerns