Friars make surprise move to bolster rotation depth

TL;DR

The San Diego Padres have signed right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027, addressing their rotation depth. This move comes as the team deals with injuries to key pitchers.

Key points

San Diego Padres signed Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract
Giolito has a mutual option for 2027
Bryan Hoeing moved to the 60-day IL
Giolito replaces Matt Waldron in the rotation
Padres dealing with injuries to key pitchers

San Diego Padres

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Lucas Giolito #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The San Diego Padres addressed their rotation needs about as quickly as the Friar Faithful could hope for. The Padres announced this morning that they have signed right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. In a corresponding move, Bryan Hoeing was moved from the 40-man roster to the 60-day IL. One start seems to have been enough for knuckleballer Matt Waldron, who will likely be replaced by the now-signed Giolito. The move is great for the Friars, and it’s perfect timing. With Nick Pivetta indefinitely confined to the injured list, and Griffin Canning and Joe Musgrove still somewhat far off, Giolito is a perfect filler for the Padres. Best case scenario, he breaks out and puts up an even better year than his 3.41 ERA mark from 2025. That mark tied his career-best (2019) when pitching 20-plus starts in a season. Giolito’s biggest strength for the Padres is that he can eat innings. He’s a truly solid starter who can keep San Diego in games. The amount of his contract hasn’t been announced yet, and that will determine how beneficial this deal is for the Friars. San Diego general manager A.J. Preller has been known to overpay in the past — and starting pitching is at a premium — but the details of the contract are likely to be made public soon.

Q&A

What contract details are known about Lucas Giolito's signing with the Padres?

The amount of Lucas Giolito's contract has not been announced yet, but it includes a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027.

Why did the Padres sign Lucas Giolito?

The Padres signed Giolito to bolster their rotation depth due to injuries affecting key pitchers like Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove.

How did Lucas Giolito perform in the 2025 MLB season?

In the 2025 MLB season, Lucas Giolito achieved a career-best 3.41 ERA while making over 20 starts.