Seven questions as the Red Sox take the plunge – or cautiously wade – into a pivotal offseason.

The list of potential reasons why the Sox opted not to extend a Qualifying Offer to right-hander Lucas Giolito range from magnanimous, to practical, to concerning.

Let’s go in reverse order. The most logical, and therefore worrisome, explanation is that the Red Sox did not want to offer a pitcher $22.05 million for one year after elbow soreness caused him to struggle in September and be left off their postseason roster.

Most practically, the Red Sox simply do not feel like he is worth $22.05 million for a year, but are open to a reunion in a more affordable, albeit multi-year format. (Giolito is expected to command a three-year deal in the $50-60 million range.)

The most generous version of

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