The Philadelphia Phillies are being predicted to land a former All-Star pitcher to increase their World Series chances.
The Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation has been a major strength in recent years, but heading into 2026, it's actually rife with question marks.
The Phillies lost Ranger Suarez to the Boston Red Sox in free agency, and Zack Wheeler is still recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome. Plus, Aaron Nola was awful in 2025, and Taijuan Walker is not incredibly reliable.
Right now, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo are the only two sure things in Philadelphia's rotation. Yes, Andrew Painter has potential, but the top prospect has never thrown a pitch on the big-league level.
The Phillies are expected to add another pitcher between now and Opening Day to bring in some much-needed depth, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has identified whom he feels is the best option for the team: Lucas Giolito.
"As the roster currently stands, the Phillies have essentially put all of their eggs in the Andrew Painter basket to fill the No. 5 starter job, unless non-roster invitees Bryse Wilson and Tucker Davidson make a surprise roster push," Reuter wrote. "That makes them one of the few logical fits for Lucas Giolito, who is still searching for a new home in free agency after posting a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings for the Red Sox last year."
Lucas Giolito. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images.Here's the problem with that, though: Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski recently stated that he does not feel Giolito is a fit for Philadelphia. So unless that was some sort of smokescreen on his part (and I don't see why it would be), it doesn't look like the Phillies will be jumping at the chance to sign the right-hander.
Of course, that could change as Philadelphia becomes more desperate.
Giolito actually enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in Boston last year, registering a sub-4.00 ERA for the first time since 2021.
The 31-year-old broke into the big leagues with the Washington Nationals in 2016, but was traded to the Chicago White Sox that ensuing offseason.
Giolito proceeded to make an All-Star appearance with the White Sox in 2019, logging a 3.41 ERA while racking up 228 strikeouts over 176.2 innings of work.
Once a strikeout artist, Giolito averaged just 7.5 punchouts per nine innings in 2025 in his first year back from elbow surgery.
Maybe the Santa Monica, Ca. native can rediscover that form in 2026, and perhaps it will be in Philly.
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