White Sox reach deal with Lucas Giolito

GLENDALE, Ariz. — All’s well that ends well. Or ends with a conversation with the Chairman.

The White Sox and right-hander Lucas Giolito avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.45 million contract Friday, eight days after Giolito expressed frustration and disappointment over having to go through the hearing process when the sides were only $200,000 apart. Giolito filed for $7.5 million; the Sox filed at $7.3 million.

Giolito was in much better spirits Friday.

“This process can get ugly at times, but [general manager Rick Hahn and assistant GM Jeremy Haber] worked their butts off to work with me and communicate with me and try to make it as seamless as possible,” Giolito said.

Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf had an impactful discussion with the Sox’ 2021 Opening Day starter and 2020 All-Star who had a strong second half and went 11-9 with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts last season, his fifth with the Sox.

“I was upset initially on deadline day, but having full communication and talking it through with Jerry made a huge difference,” said Giolito, the Sox’ player representative. “Overall, it was such a positive, getting to know each other better and understanding both sides of the situation. I feel that respect from the team, understanding this [arbitration] system we have.”

Giolito, who’s eligible for free agency after next season, smiled and said he “made a couple of comments” in his conversation with Reinsdorf broaching the subject of an extension.

“I love this organization; I love this team; there’s nowhere else I want to be,” he said. “I’ve got another couple of years here to step my game up and be that elite-caliber guy and see if we’ll be able to make something happen in the future. We’ll see.”

With the signing, all players on the Sox’ 40-man roster have agreed to terms for 2022.