Two Former Red Sox Still Searching for a Home as Spring Training Nears
With Fenway Fest in the books and the 2025 campaign officially behind us, the countdown to spring training is on. The Red Sox are already looking ahead, their roster mostly set with a clear focus on shoring up the infield. But while Boston’s front office isn’t expected to dip back into its past, a couple of familiar faces who once called Fenway home are still waiting for their next shot.
Let’s take a closer look at two former Red Sox who remain unsigned as camps prepare to open - and how they got here.
Alex Verdugo: A Career at the Crossroads
Alex Verdugo’s time in Boston was anything but boring. Brought in as the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade - a move that still stings for many in Red Sox Nation - Verdugo arrived with big expectations and a big spotlight. A former top prospect in the Dodgers’ system, he showed flashes of the player scouts once projected him to be, hitting .281 over four seasons in Boston from 2020 to 2023.
But that batting average only tells part of the story.
Verdugo’s production declined steadily year over year, and questions about his effort and consistency never quite went away. Manager Alex Cora didn’t mince words back in 2022, saying, “Yeah, he hit for average, but he can be a lot better baserunning and defensively.” That was more than just coach-speak - it was a reflection of the growing tension between player and manager.
There were multiple run-ins with Cora over hustle and accountability, and off-field incidents didn’t help his case. Eventually, it became clear that a change of scenery was necessary. That came in the form of a rare trade with the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season - a move that raised eyebrows on both sides of the rivalry.
But the fresh start didn’t yield a turnaround. Verdugo’s time in the Bronx was marred by more of the same: inconsistent play, minor altercations, and lingering concerns about his maturity.
He got another shot in 2025 with the Braves on a one-year deal, but the results were underwhelming. In 56 games, Verdugo slashed .239/.296/.289, failed to hit a single home run, and drove in just 12 runs.
Atlanta ultimately released him after he cleared waivers in early July.
Now 29, Verdugo is still young enough to rebound - but he’s running out of chances. The tools are still there, but the clock is ticking. Whether another team takes a flier on him this spring remains to be seen.
Lucas Giolito: A Comeback Story Waiting for Its Next Chapter
Lucas Giolito’s journey has been full of twists, but his 2025 season in Boston reminded everyone why he was once considered one of the most promising arms in the game.
Giolito spent seven seasons with the White Sox, posting a 4.20 ERA over 162 starts and earning an All-Star nod along the way. But things unraveled quickly after a mid-2023 trade to the Angels. His ERA ballooned to 6.97 during forgettable stints with both the Angels and Guardians, and by the end of the year, his stock had plummeted.
In January 2024, the Red Sox took a calculated risk, signing Giolito to a one-year deal. But that gamble hit a snag before the season even started - Giolito underwent UCL surgery in March, wiping out his 2024 campaign.
He returned in 2025 after exercising a $19 million player option, and with injuries thinning Boston’s rotation, Giolito seized the opportunity. Slotted in as the team’s No. 3 starter behind Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, he quietly became one of the Sox’s most reliable arms.
Armed with a steady two-seamer and a devastatingly slow change-up, Giolito found a rhythm. After a few early bumps, he settled in and delivered a strong season: 10 wins, a 3.41 ERA, and a key role in helping Boston clinch its first postseason berth since 2021.
Unfortunately, elbow soreness kept him off the playoff roster - a tough blow for both Giolito and the team. Still, his performance was enough to warrant attention heading into free agency. He declined his option, betting on himself to land a better deal.
That bet hasn’t paid off - at least not yet. As spring training approaches, Giolito remains unsigned.
For a pitcher who proved he can still compete at a high level, it’s a surprising development. But with teams always on the lookout for durable arms, especially ones with postseason experience and a recent track record of success, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be on the market much longer.
What Comes Next?
Neither Verdugo nor Giolito is likely to return to Boston, but their stories are still worth watching. Verdugo, once seen as a potential cornerstone, now faces a make-or-break moment. Giolito, after battling back from injury and inconsistency, has shown he still has plenty left in the tank.
Spring training is around the corner. Rosters will shift.
Injuries will happen. Needs will emerge.
And when they do, don’t be surprised if one - or both - of these former Red Sox find themselves back in a big-league clubhouse, trying to write the next chapter of their careers.