Orioles' Pitching Interests: Lucas Giolito in the Spotlight
The Orioles are on the hunt for more starting pitching, and they've got their eyes on a few intriguing options. With a recent focus on bolstering their rotation, they've been linked to Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, and Zac Gallen. But now, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, they're also seriously considering Lucas Giolito, who has been drawing interest from Detroit and Atlanta as well.
This offseason, the Orioles have already made some moves to strengthen their rotation. They acquired Shane Baz from the Rays and re-signed Zach Eflin. They also made a trade, sending Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels in exchange for Taylor Ward. As of now, their rotation includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Baz, and Eflin, with Dean Kremer likely filling the fifth spot.
However, the Orioles recognize the importance of depth in the modern game, and they have a few options for additional starting pitching. Tyler Wells, Chayce McDermott, Cade Povich, and Brandon Young are all on the roster but have yet to make a significant impact in the majors. Albert Suárez is on a minor league deal, providing some veteran non-roster depth, while Trey Gibson, a top pitching prospect, is pushing for a debut in 2026.
The Orioles' current rotation has its strengths and weaknesses. While Rogers had a great 2025 season, finishing with a 1.81 ERA, he faced challenges with injuries. Bradish, on the other hand, missed most of the past two seasons due to Tommy John surgery. Baz showed some potential but had a 4.87 ERA last year. The team's previous moves with older veterans like Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Kyle Gibson didn't yield the desired results, and the rotation was a significant issue in 2025.
The question arises: Can Giolito offer more upside than the current roster? In the past, he was a borderline ace, showcasing a 3.47 ERA, 30.7% strikeout rate, and 8% walk rate over 72 starts for the White Sox from 2019 to 2021. However, his performance dipped in the following years, with ERAs closer to 5.00 and strikeout rates around 25%. He missed the 2024 season due to UCL surgery and struggled with flexor irritation and a bone issue in his throwing arm in 2025.
Despite his recent struggles, Giolito's 2019-2021 form could be valuable to the Orioles. While he might not be as exciting as Valdez, he is likely to be more affordable. According to MLBTR's predictions, Valdez could command $150MM over five years, while Giolito might sign for $32MM over two years. With a projected payroll of $148MM for the next year, the Orioles have some financial flexibility, and a potential trade for Ryan Mountcastle could free up additional funds.
The Orioles' pitching interests are a fascinating mix of established talent and promising prospects. While they seek to improve their rotation, they also recognize the importance of depth and financial prudence. As the offseason progresses, the team will need to make strategic decisions to build a competitive lineup for the upcoming season.
