Giolito, Littell, Kopech: What’s Next for White Sox and Mets

This article digs into why two well-known pitchers, Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell, are still unsigned as the MLB offseason drags on. It also takes a look at what their situations might say about the bigger free-agent picture.

Drawing from MLB Trade Rumors’ latest mailbag and some recent contract stories, the article explores how injuries, market expectations, and team fit are shaping these late deals. Teams seem hesitant to overcommit right now, and that’s got ripple effects.

Market dynamics shaping late-offseason signings

As winter winds down, both players and clubs are rethinking value. The slow market comes down to a mix of past performance, health risks, and what kind of role each guy wants.

Giolito and Littell are basically stuck because there’s a gap between what they’re asking for and what teams feel comfortable offering. Even though both have proven themselves, that mismatch keeps things at a standstill.

What’s holding up Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell

For both pitchers, it’s not that teams aren’t interested—it’s that they can’t agree on the details. Giolito’s elbow injury, which knocked him out for the 2025 season, has made front offices extra cautious. It’s tough to weigh the risk and reward, especially in the early offseason.

Giolito says he’s fully healthy now, but teams are still wary. After a year full of health issues, there’s just a lot of doubt about whether he can bounce back.

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Littell’s situation is a bit different. He’s shown he can eat innings and fill certain roles, but teams still wonder if he can be consistent. That uncertainty, especially about whether he’s better in the bullpen or rotation, has cooled the market for him.

Impact on teams and the wider free-agent market

The fact that Giolito and Littell are still waiting for deals points to a bigger trend. Teams are all about minimizing risk and making sure players have clear roles, instead of chasing upside with long, expensive contracts—especially for pitchers with health questions.

So, a bunch of veterans are still unsigned, and there’s a noticeable gap between what teams want to pay and what players think they’re worth. It’s a weird spot for the market, and honestly, it’s hard to say when (or if) that’ll shift.

Projection history and what it means for late signings

MLB Trade Rumors’ projections offer a handy benchmark. But honestly, reality tends to veer off course once injuries and past performance get factored in.

The main thing? Late signings usually show that both teams and players are adjusting their expectations, not just tossing aside a player’s talent.

Teams crave predictable budgets. They also want flexible contract lengths and some real health assurances.

Players, on the other hand, are looking for a shot at meaningful opportunities and deals that feel fair.

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The Giolito and Littell situations show that the market’s still in flux. No one’s checked out, but it’s definitely not as predictable as it used to be.
 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Mailbag: Giolito, Littell, Kopech, White Sox, Mets