GLENDALE, Ariz. — When Lucas Giolito’s baseball career is over — and at age 26 he has plenty of time to think about this — he has two things in mind he would like to do.
The first is to care for the children he and his wife are planning to have when the time is right. The other is a career in broadcasting.
An engaging and thoughtful sort who comes from a family of actors, Giolito is signed on to be in the rotation of co-hosts for Chris Rose’s video podcast with Jomboy Media called “The Chris Rotation,” which launched last week. Also on the slate: Steven Brault (Pirates), Tyler Glasnow (Rays), Miguel Rojas (Marlins), Archie Bradley (Phillies).
“By the time my playing career is done, if I’m not sick of baseball, maybe as an analyst,” Giolito said in a recent phone interview with the Sun-Times. “Broadcasting has always been an interest of mine.
“I’ll be popping in there with Chris Rose every three weeks, that’s going to be great for listeners and fans of the sport, but selfishly I’m looking forward to learning a lot from Chris. He’s one of the best in the game. I’m going to pick his brain and gain some experience because, you know, I could be pretty good at it.”
Giolito’s mother, Lindsay Frost, is an actress. His father Rick is an actor and video game producer. Brother Casey is an actor, and Giolito’s grandfather, Warren Frost, played a role in “Seinfeld.” Born in Burbank, California, Giolito says he never had an interest in acting, but TV seems like a natural path nonetheless.
For now, it’s pitching, and for how long that happens in a White Sox uniform is uncertain. Giolito is eligible for free agency in 2024, and will work under a $4 million deal for 2021. The Sox locked up most of their young core with long-term contracts (Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Aaron Bummer, Tim Anderson) before they hit the free agent market and most certainly are aiming to do the same with Giolito.
“As far as that goes, I absolutely love our team, love Chicago and love playing for the White Sox,” Giolito said. “There is no place I’d rather be right now. But as far as negotiations, I’d rather keep that in house and let my agent take care of it.”
Giolito’s wife, Ariana, won’t have to negotiate a deal for him to care for their kids one day.
“My wife is going to be a veterinarian and she has made so many sacrifices for me to pursue my dream and do what I get to do for a living,” Giolito said. “So maybe after baseball I’ll be a stay at home dad.”
NOTES: The Sox (1-6-3 in Cactus League games) enjoyed their only off day of the spring Wednesday, although some went to work, including right-hander Dylan Cease who came in and threw live batting practice. Cease is slated to make his first Cactus League start against the Cubs Monday.
*Reynaldo Lopez, coming off two perfect innings against the Indians in his first outing, starts Thursday against the Reds (8:05 p.m.). Giolito starts against the Rangers Friday. Lopez, 1-3 with a 6.49 ERA in eight starts, is trying to claim a spot in the starting rotation.
*Stat leaders through 10 games: Yermin Mercedes, 5-for-13, three doubles, six RBI, no strikeouts; Andrew Vaughn, 5-for-17, homer, double, four RBI; Luis Robert, 6-for-16, two doubles, two stolen bases; Jonathan Lucroy, 3-for-5, double.
