Orioles Show Interest in Lucas Giolito for Starting Rotation

This blog post digs into the Baltimore Orioles’ urgent hunt for a starting pitcher before spring training. We’ll look at possible targets and the tricky decisions the team faces as they chase this goal.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of free agents like Cesar Valdez and what the trade market might offer. All the while, we’ll try to get inside the Orioles’ heads and figure out what drives their off-season strategy.

The Orioles’ Pitch for Pre-Spring Training Reinforcement

The Orioles, right on the edge of making a leap, have made it pretty clear they want an impact starter before spring training even begins. By acting now, they hope new pitchers can settle in with a full preseason and avoid the usual rough starts that come with late arrivals.

The front office knows a hot start can shape the whole season. Nobody wants to play catch-up two weeks in.

Navigating the Free Agent Market: High Hopes and Hidden Risks

The free agent market looks tempting but tricky. Sure, there’s talent out there, but every pitcher comes with a catch. The Orioles have to balance what helps right now with what could go wrong down the road.

* Cesar Valdez: The Preferred, Yet Problematic, Pick

Cesar Valdez sits at the top of the Orioles’ wish list, which says a lot about how they view his value. But let’s be real: he’s older, expensive, comes with draft-pick compensation baggage, and has a recent on-field character issue that can’t be ignored. The team has to decide if the potential reward justifies all that risk.

* Zack Gallen: A Bounce-Back Bet?

Zack Gallen is another name that keeps popping up. Signing him would also cost the Orioles a draft pick. His 2025 season left a lot to be desired, but his history hints he could bounce back—maybe a new team is exactly what he needs.

* Justin Verlander: The Predictable Veteran

Justin Verlander is the definition of a known quantity. He brings experience and steadiness, though nobody’s calling him an ace anymore. At his age, though, injury risk is always lurking, and that’s something the Orioles can’t ignore if they want consistency.

* Lucas Giolito: The Fallback Option with Flaws

Lucas Giolito is more of a backup plan. His 3.41 ERA over 145 innings in 2025 looks solid at first glance, but dig deeper and the numbers get shaky. A 4.99 xERA and just 7.51 K/9 hint that he might not be the upgrade the Orioles really want.

Beyond Free Agency: The Trade Market and Internal Solutions

If the free agent pool ends up too complicated or pricey, the Orioles might have to pivot. Trades aren’t common this early in the year, but sometimes that’s where the real upside hides.

Unlocking Further Potential: Trade Targets and Payroll Flexibility

The Orioles have some financial room to maneuver, which could make a big difference if they want to swing a trade for a better pitcher. Money talks, after all. Still, even with deep pockets, every trade needs a careful look at the cost, draft picks, and whether the player really moves the needle on the field.

The Power of Internal Growth: Mitigating Risk with Homegrown Talent

General Manager Mike Elias seems focused on building real contingency and depth across the roster. He’s especially zeroed in on the outfield and starting rotation.

This strategy gives the team more options and aims to reduce risk. If internal options like Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish step up, the need for outside help drops—at least in theory.

Still, both Rogers and Bradish haven’t really proven themselves over long stretches together. That leaves a pretty glaring need for someone with a track record.

The homegrown guys show promise, but they just aren’t there yet. They’ll need more time before anyone can count on them to deliver at a high level every night.

With spring training coming up fast, the Orioles look determined to land at least one more rotation piece. The next few weeks should make it clear which direction they’ll go as they try to shore up the pitching staff for a real postseason push.

 
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