The Baltimore Orioles have already made waves this offseason, reshaping their roster in a way that signals they’re not just aiming to compete-they’re aiming to contend. But there’s still one move out there that could take this winter from impressive to unforgettable.
Enter Framber Valdez.
The two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion is still on the market, and there’s growing buzz that Baltimore could be the right landing spot. According to MLB Network’s Robert Murray, the Orioles are a strong fit for the left-hander, and the connection makes sense on multiple levels.
For starters, Orioles GM Mike Elias knows Valdez well from their shared time in Houston. That familiarity could go a long way in evaluating not just the pitcher, but the person-what makes him tick, how he handles adversity, and what kind of presence he brings to a clubhouse that’s already brimming with young talent and postseason aspirations.
Valdez had a tale of two seasons in 2025. In the first half, he looked every bit the ace: 11-4 record, 2.62 ERA, 141 strikeouts.
He was commanding the mound and carving up lineups with his signature sinker-curveball combo. But after the All-Star break, things took a turn.
His performance dipped, and by season’s end, he’d settled into a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA and 187 strikeouts across 192 innings. Solid numbers overall, but a noticeable drop-off from his early-season dominance.
There was also a bit of noise surrounding Valdez late in the year, particularly an incident in September where he crossed up catcher Cesar Salazar. Whether that’s impacted his market remains unclear, but it hasn’t erased the upside he brings to any rotation.
And Baltimore? It could be the perfect place for a bounce-back.
Since the outfield adjustments at Camden Yards in 2022, the ballpark has played much more favorably for pitchers. That shift, combined with a strong defensive unit behind him and a front office that knows how to put its arms in position to succeed, could help Valdez recapture his All-Star form.
If the Orioles were to pull the trigger here, it wouldn’t just be about adding another arm. It would be about solidifying a rotation that’s already taken steps forward, giving Trevor Rogers a legitimate No. 2 to pair with, and sending a message to the rest of the American League: Baltimore isn’t just back-they’re built to last.
The Orioles have been one of the most active teams this winter, and if they cap things off by landing Valdez, they might just have the final piece to a rotation that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in October.