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Orioles predicted to sign $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate after devastating Zach Eflin news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Orioles are off to a shaky start to the 2026 season as they are 6-6, but due to a chaotic division, they hold second place in the AL East. However, their grip on the position may be gone, with a key pitcher in Zach Eflin out for the season with Tommy John surgery.
With that in mind, they need an immediate replacement for him in their rotation. Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy predicts that the O’s will sign a former division rival in Lucas Giolito, who is somehow still a free agent after a great 2025 season.
MORE: Marlins predicted to put $56 million Cy Young, two-time All-Star on trade block after starting another Cy Young campaign for 2026 season
“Someone has to give Giolito a shot at some point, right? Giolito spent the last two years in the American League East as a member of the Red Sox. He missed the 2024 season, but returned in 2025 and had a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for Boston. If Baltimore wants a guy who can come in right away and be a No. 5 starter with upside much higher than that, Giolito would be the guy,” McAvoy wrote.
This past season, Giolito posted a 10-4 record, a 3.41 ERA, 121 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.290 over 145 innings pitched. If he could replicate that, he could easily be the No. 5 pitcher as McAvoy suggests, or even be a No. 4, possibly a No. 3.
MORE: $131 million two-time All-Star ace predicted to part ways with Mets, test free agency right after New York acquired him
As for a contract, Giolito’s market value calls for a three-year, $61 million deal. The O’s have shown they are comfortable paying big deals now, as seen with Pete Alonso, but considering he’s still on the market this far into the season, Baltimore could get him on a rental.
Whatever they decide, they need to get Giolito or someone like him soon; they don’t have the best rotation in the league, so losing Eflin is a pretty big blow.
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