Lucas Giolito is finally set to make his debut for the Boston Red Sox after more than 15 months sidelined by injuries. Activated from the injured list, Giolito is taking the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays, a significant moment considering he has not pitched since the beginning of 2024 due to a partial tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. In his minor league rehab, he struggled with an 0-2 record and a 5.19 ERA.

Prior to his injury woes, Giolito had a disappointing 2023 season, going 8-15 with a 4.88 ERA across 33 starts with three teams: the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians. His struggles included allowing 41 home runs, the second-most in the majors. Giolito's performance will be crucial for the Red Sox as they look to bolster their pitching staff and improve their standing in the competitive AL East.

The New York Yankees are set to revamp their infield for the 2025 season, as they have decided not to pursue first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres in free agency. Rizzo's decline in performance and injuries led to the team opting out of his contract, while Torres, despite a strong postseason, has been inconsistent during his tenure in New York.

The Yankees are exploring options for replacements, including potential free agents and trades, with a focus on infield prospect Caleb Durbin, who has impressed in the minors. Manager Aaron Boone has high hopes for Durbin, praising his skills and competitiveness as the team prepares for a new chapter.

Anthony Rizzo's $17 million option for 2025 has been declined by the New York Yankees, opting for a $6 million buyout instead. This decision makes the seasoned first baseman a free agent.

Rizzo, a three-time All-Star, faced a challenging season, hitting .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs over 92 games, largely due to injuries. He missed significant time with a fractured right forearm and later sustained finger injuries, yet he managed to contribute during the postseason.

Anthony Rizzo's $17 million option for 2025 has been declined by the New York Yankees, opting for a $6 million buyout instead, which makes him a free agent.

The 35-year-old first baseman had an injury-plagued season, hitting .228 with eight homers and 35 RBIs over 92 games. He missed significant time due to a fractured forearm and later suffered additional injuries.

A three-time All-Star and 2016 World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, Rizzo has a career average of .261 with 303 homers over 14 seasons.

Gerrit Cole has opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees, giving the team a two-day window to void the opt-out by adding a $36 million salary for 2029. This decision comes after the Yankees' World Series loss.

Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo's $17 million option was declined, making him a free agent. Rizzo had a challenging season, missing significant time due to injuries but managed to contribute in the postseason.