ESPN Reports: Boston Red Sox have just secured a $176.2million experienced Pitcher from rivals in a blockbuster deal……Read more

In 2024, the Boston Red Sox failed miserably in their attempts to reach the World Series. Despite this, they managed to send one player to the first game.

Harvard-Westlake High School alumnus Lucas Giolito hails from Southern California and didn’t throw a pitch in 2024 because of a surgically repaired elbow ailment. Several other prominent MLB pitchers, including the opening game starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, did the same.

Giolito was present to cheer on Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, a high school classmate of his. Another Harvard-Westlake alumnus, who is a top free agency target for the Red Sox, was also there.

Both Giolito and Atlanta Braves star Max Fried—a two-time All-Star and 2021 World Series champion—were seen in the stands together. Although Giolito has been outspoken about his desire to bring Fried to the Red Sox, maybe his finest opportunity to make a pitch came on Friday night when they met in person.

Giolito and Fried were pictured together in a quote tweet from Flaherty’s 2021 World Series photo that was shared to MLB’s official X account. Fried was the starting pitcher that year.

Giolito must be asking when he will be called upon next. A great first step would be to enlist the help of a high school teammate who has a record of success in the World Series. However, Giolito’s commitment to the Red Sox is only for another season, so it’s difficult to determine the influence he has on his teammates being in Boston.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Fried is expected to sign a six-year deal worth $174 million. Various other estimations have put the figure somewhere between $140 million and above $200 million. Though pricey, he will be worthwhile if he performs up to his potential.

The Red Sox certainly won’t have the easy task of luring Fried or Flaherty due to the intense competition. However, having an additional connection is of no use.