Lucas Giolito got off to a really rough start for the Chicago White Sox in 2021. It took him a while to get going but he was amazing when he figured it out. Now, going into 2022, he is still the most important pitcher on the roster. He comes in as the 4th most important player on the roster.
Carlos Rodon and Lance Lynn were both starters that finished higher than Giolito on the American League Cy Young ballot in 2021 which was awesome because all three were amazing. However, Rodon is off to the National League while Lynn hopes to have a fourth straight elite season.
Giolito is younger and has shown that he can be that ace-level guy for a few years now as well. With Lynn’s little injury, Giolito is probably going to be the Opening Day starter. He was likely to get that honor even if Lynn never went down.
When the playoffs roll around, he will be the guy in game one. He should have been last year as well for a variety of reasons but the wrong decision was made to start Lynn when he historically struggles against the Houston Astros.
Lucas Giolito is going to have a really big year for the Chicago White Sox in 2022.
If Giolito plays to the top of his game, the White Sox could have a really good rotation. Once Lynn is healthy, he will join Michael Kopech and Dylan Cease in backing up Giolito. If they can add a really good 5th starter at some point, it could be a top rotation in baseball. Dallas Keuchel, Vince Velasquez, and Reynaldo Lopez are all in the mix as well.
Giolito was in the news recently because of his 2022 contract. It looked like he and the White Sox were going to hit arbitration over a small amount (relative to baseball) of money. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and they were able to figure it out over the past week.
Hopefully, that is a good step toward the two sides coming together for a long-term extension. Giolito is one of the best pitchers in the American League and deserves to be there for a long time as long as he is at the top of his game.
Not only is Giolito a good pitcher, but he is also a great leader in the clubhouse. He speaks his mind and is always good for a notable quote. Leading this rotation is something they need from him both on and off the field which increases his value. Hopefully, Gioltio lives up to it in 2022.