White Sox: 2 reasons to keep Lucas Giolito and 1 to let him go
With the ongoing rumors revolving around Lucas Giolito as the trade deadline gets closer, it raises a prompt, should the White Sox keep or let go of their right-handed starting pitcher?
There's not technically a wrong or right answer, considering both choices have the potential of both upside and downside. It's really going to come down to the organization taking a risk on one of the options.
They can either lean on Giolito being a dominant starting pitcher in the future or flip him for a haul of prospects that can make a more significant impact than he has during his tenure with the club.
Here are two reasons why the White Sox should keep Giolito and one reason why it might be time to let go.
Reason to Keep:
The Chicago White Sox need starting pitching going forward.
The Chicago White Sox are going to need people to pitch in 2024.
There is a more considerable risk that comes with trading Giolito that not many people realize. The reason is, who is going to start for the Chicago White Sox in 2024?
Lance Lynn will most likely get traded, Mike Clevinger will go through the free agency process once again, and Michael Kopech can't stay healthy. There's a chance if Giolito is dealt, the only consistently healthy and effective pitcher on the roster is Dylan Cease.
Giolito is still in his younger years, and keeping him a part of the organization can give the White Sox a reliable arm instead of taking a chance on somebody else.
Of course, money plays a part in this, and not knowing the amount Giolito is planning on asking for in his new contract plays a factor, but if it's at a reasonable price, the organization should consider it rather than just rapidly moving on from the situation.
Reason to Keep:
Lucas Giolito wants to stay in Chicago.
Unfortunately, sometimes a player's say doesn't mean anything at all when it comes to an organizational move but based on what Giolito has said about the club, it would make a trade that much harder for the fanbase, Giolito, his teammates, and his family.
"I'd love to stay. I want to be here, man. I love Chicago. I love the Sox. I want us to put it together, man. I really do."
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) June 21, 2023
- Lucas Giolito on the White Sox Talk podcasthttps://t.co/4DLVMJHoJ5
If one of your players is saying what Giolito is saying about the team, an organization should want that type of guy still on their team.
Giolito wants to make it work with the White Sox, and it should at least make the organization realize that there are two options to decide on within the next couple of weeks.
The south side of Chicago loves Giolito; if a trade is made, the organization better be positive/confident about the haul they get in return.
Reason to Trade:
The White Sox could move Giolito to help with the future of the team.
Assets that come in return for Lucas Giolito can help them get better.
The White Sox are in need of different pieces, whether Giolito is traded or not. They need depth/consistency in their lineup, along with arms that can maintain health throughout the entirety of a major league season.
The Dodgers and Reds have shown reported interest in Giolito, and both organizations have spots the White Sox need to fill in for future seasons.
If the White Sox chooses the right prospects that fill positional needs, then the White Sox should find the best trade situation possible.
They should only make the trade if they feel comfortable doing it rather than forcing Giolito's departure.
The White Sox have some thinking to do with how they will handle Giolito along with other players on the roster. Hopefully, for the sake of the fanbase, they, for once, learn to do the right thing.
It's going to be a heartbreaking next couple of weeks. Buckle up and enjoy the ride to the best of your ability.
Next. The 15 worst contracts in Chicago White Sox history. dark