Orioles could benefit from Red Sox mistake that just shook up free agent market

If there's one thing the Baltimore Orioles will be looking to add this offseason, it's starting pitching. While nabbing a frontline starter (or two) is far from the O's only roster concern, it's easily the one thing they cannot neglect this winter.

While Baltimore's deep farm system always brings the notion of a trade to the table, there's an abundance of talented arms who just hit the free agent market. A new name recently appeared, however, after the Boston Red Sox and Lucas Giolito's mutual contract option was declined.

The Red Sox didn't just allow Giolito to enter free agency, however. as Boston let him go without attaching a qualifying offer, and that's where the Orioles come in. Giolito is now free to sign with any team, and without applying the QO, there's not draft compensation attached.

Orioles could benefit from Red Sox mistake after Boston didn't extend qualifying offer to Lucas Giolito

Draft capital is essential for presdent of baseball operations Mike Elias and the Orioles front office. While David Rubenstein may have found some deep-pocketed friends, Baltimore's operation will always be defined by drafting an developing players. Being able to find a quality starter without a QO next to his name won't be easy.

According to reports, 13 free agents received a qualifying offer. Zac Gallen, Shota Imanaga, Ranger Suarez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Framber Valdez, and Brandon Woodruff are all among those who also happen to be starting pitchers. Giolito's 2.0 fWAR last season was higher than Gallen, King, Imanaga, and Woodruff.

After missing all of the 2024 season, Giolito returned last season and made 26 starts for the Red Sox. The 30-year-old went 10-4 and posted a respectable 3.41 ERA and 4.17 FIP. The right-hander wasn't able to strike out the opposition at the same rate as in years past, but his four-pitch mix keeps hitters off balance. Being two full years removed from the internal brace procedure he underwent in 2024 should also result in more consistent results next season.

Knowing how valuable starting pitching is, it's wild that Boston didn't attach a QO to Giolito's signing. That said, the right-hander likely would've accepted the offer, locking the Red Sox in to a rather expensive one-year deal worth $22 million. Boston's reticent behavior, however, may have just given the Orioles another starting pitcher to scout this offseason.