Orioles rumors point to a pitching solution that won’t gut their future

The Baltimore Orioles have been linked to almost every free agent starting pitcher under the sun, and fans can now add former Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito to the list. According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, Giolito is a player the O's are seriously considering.

Most Orioles rumors lately have linked Baltimore to one of Framber Valdez or Zac Gallen, but Giolito could quickly become Mike Elias' favorite free agent target for one major reason — there's not a qualifying offer attached to his signing.

Unlike Valdez and Gallen, both of whom rejected the QO, Giolito can be signed without sacrificing draft capital. Teams who sign players who've been extended and then rejected a qualifying offer are forced to surrender a draft pick. In the case of the Orioles, who are a revenue sharing recipient, they'd lose third-highest selection in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Orioles Rumors: Interest in former Red Sox starter Lucas Giloito would preserve Baltimore's draft picks

Giolito was 10-4 last season with a 3.41 ERA across 145 innings pitched and struck out 121 batters. It was terrific bounce-back campaign for Giolito who missed all of the 2024 season due to injury. While Giolito is not the pitcher he was during his tenure with the Chicago White Sox, the right-hander is still an effective hurler and would bring a veteran presence to the Orioles' rotation next season.

Most fans are hoping to see Elias and Co. make one more splash and sign Valdez, but his waning market could be causing the Orioles to have cold feet. There's also some unsubstantiated rumors connecting the San Francisco Giants to the former Houston Astros ace, so Baltimore's interest in Giolito could be part of an insurance plan in the event that Valdez signs elsewhere.

Whether Baltimore continues to shop at the top-end of the free agent market (Valdez) or signs a well-known but less effective starter (Giolito), the good news for Orioles fans is that the front office still appears to be looking to upgrade the rotation.

These latest Orioles rumors will have fans adding one more name to the growing list of pitchers who've come across the newswire this offseason. Giolito's lower price tag and lack of a QO might be enough to get a deal across the finish line.