Orioles may be down to last chance at free agent pitcher as market heats up

The injury to Zach Eflin served as a reminder that, for the first time in recent memory, the Baltimore Orioles have pitching depth. The concern is that most of that depth is through pitching prospects and veterans who haven't exactly had proven success in the majors. In a season where they are meant to be contenders, it's fair to speculate if Lucas Giolito should be an option.

The Orioles had interest in Giolito before they signed Chris Bassitt at the start of spring training, and Giolito has remained on the free-agent market. After expressing some frustration with the process, it does appear that Giolito's market is finally beginning to heat up.

The Cubs and Padres are reportedly the two teams at the forefront of the bidding for Giolito. The Cubs are dealing with the loss of Cade Horton for the season, while Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele are also currently sidelined. In San Diego, there's a fear that Nick Pivetta may be out for the rest of the year.

Orioles may want to circle back to their interest in Lucas Giolito

It stands to reason that both the Cubs and Padres would be more motivated than the Orioles to sign Giolito and start his ramp-up than the Orioles. That being said, at this point in the season, Mike Elias and Co. may want to at least have the conversation before it's too late.

For the same reasons that the Orioles wanted to have Eflin at the backend of the rotation, they should have some interest in Giolito. The 31-year-old has averaged 30 starts per season over the last four years and 167 innings pitched. If nothing else, he's stability at the backend of the rotation and would prevent the need for a prospect to step in and fill a meaningful role in the rotation at the start of their career.

The move wouldn't be without some concern. Giolito had an ERA of 3.41 with the Boston Red Sox last year, but his underlying metrics suggested there was luck involved. He struck out under 20% of the hitters he faced, and his expected ERA was 5.01. In other words, it's clear why the Orioles preferred Bassitt to Giolito during the offseason.

But now, considering Giolito's price may have fallen ever so slightly, it's a move the Orioles should make as they look to maintain stability across their pitching staff.

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