Ask a Boston Red Sox fan who the most pleasant surprise on the team has been in 2025, and the odds are good that you'll get "Lucas Giolito" in response.
The veteran right-hander has had some ups and downs this year, but overall, he's been a very steady presence as the team's No. 3 starter in the regular season. His 3.41 ERA ranks third among all qualified Red Sox starters this year, and his 2.0 fWAR ranks just above Brayan Bello's 1.9 regular season metric.
Because of a contract incentive he reached at 140 innings pitched, Giolito is set to be a free agent this winter (assuming he declines his end of a mutual option), and his strong performance could put him in position to demand an onerous contract.