Top 3 Trade Destinations for Lucas Giolito

Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is certainly one of the top starters available as we approach the trade deadline in nine days. He currently has a 3.96 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP with a 122:39 K/BB ratio in 116 innings. And for his top possible destinations, we must begin in the National League West, where two teams are on his trail. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are clinging to top spot in the NL West, but that doesn't mean they aren't in desperate need of more rotation help. Beyond Clayton Kershaw (who's now on the IL with a short-term issue), it's been hit-and-miss for LA starters this season. 

Free-agent-to-be Julio Urias has had a down season and has missed time with a hamstring injury. Tony Gonsolin hasn’t been the All-Star he was last year, and Noah Syndergaard’s signing has been a disaster. Their other truly reliable starter, Dustin May, is out for the year after elbow surgery. 

You can be sure the Dodgers will be looking to add a top-shelf starter, and Giolito will be at the top of their list. 

The Dodgers aren’t the only NL West team pursuing White Sox starter Lucas Giolito.

Sources say the DBacks have inquired about Giolito, as well. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2023

Arizona Diamondbacks

According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi, the D-Backs, just three games back of LA, are also interested in Giolito.  The team has had to DFA Madison Bumgarner, and top prospect Brandon Pfaadt bombed out in his major league trial (9.82 ERA) and is back in the minors. 

They're targeting starting pitching at the deadline, though it's unlikely they'll be parting with any of their top-tier prospects. 

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have been drowning in the AL East lately. After starting the season 30-9, they've gone 31-31 since, and have been caught by the Baltimore Orioles atop the division. Their starting pitching has been ravaged, as they lost both Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen to season-ending surgeries. Cy Young candidate Shane McClanahan has missed time as well, and rookie Taj Bradley has struggled. 

They've got the prospects depth to make it enticing for the White Sox to make a deal. 

The Baltimore Orioles could also be included here as a team with prospects that could be looking to upgrade their rotation. 

August 1st is the deadline. Time is of the essence for all of these teams with dreams of division titles. 

 Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports