As we flip the calendar to February, MLB spring training is just around the corner-and yet, the hot stove hasn’t cooled off just yet. The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off a promising season and looking to take the next step, still have some unfinished business. Chief among their priorities: landing free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez.
Valdez remains unsigned, and while no deal has been finalized, the Orioles are widely believed to be in the driver’s seat. He’s been their top target all offseason, and for good reason.
A proven playoff performer with a bulldog mentality on the mound, Valdez would bring both stability and postseason experience to a rotation that’s on the cusp of something special. But while Baltimore continues its pursuit of the former Astros ace, the front office can’t afford to focus solely on the big fish.
There are still roster holes to fill, and several former Orioles remain available in free agency-players who could provide affordable depth, familiarity, and in some cases, a bit of unfinished business of their own. Let’s take a closer look at a few names that might be worth a second look as the team prepares to head south for Sarasota.
Alex Cobb - A Familiar Face, But With Caution
Alex Cobb’s time in Baltimore didn’t exactly go as planned. After signing a four-year, $57 million deal ahead of the 2018 season, the veteran right-hander never quite found his footing in the orange and black. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his tenure, and he was eventually dealt to the Angels in 2021.
Fast forward to last offseason, and Cobb was still drawing interest. The Tigers gave him a one-year, $15 million deal, but he never took the mound in 2025 due to a hip injury that sidelined him for the entire season.
Now 36, Cobb’s health is a major question mark. But if he’s recovered and willing to take a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, the Orioles could do worse than adding a veteran arm with AL East experience to the mix.
Tomoyuki Sugano - Durable, But Not Dominant
Tomoyuki Sugano was brought in last season to help stabilize the Orioles’ rotation. And while he stayed healthy-starting 30 games-his performance left something to be desired. A 10-10 record with a 4.64 ERA doesn’t scream top-tier production, but there were some positives under the hood.
Sugano kept his walk rate impressively low at 5.3%, showing solid command. However, his strikeout rate-just 15.7%-was among the lowest in the league, and that lack of swing-and-miss stuff limited his effectiveness. Still, for a team looking to add innings and back-end rotation depth, Sugano could be a serviceable option, especially if the price is right.
Adam Frazier - Versatility and Clubhouse Value
Adam Frazier may not be the same player who earned an All-Star nod with the Pirates, but his stint with the Orioles in 2022 was quietly productive. He hit 13 home runs that year, providing some unexpected pop and steady defense across the infield.
Since then, Frazier’s bounced around-returning to Pittsburgh briefly and making two stops in Kansas City. While his bat has cooled, his versatility and leadership could still be assets for a young Orioles squad. With the ability to play second base, shortstop, and even the outfield in a pinch, Frazier could be a valuable bench piece if the Orioles are looking to bolster their depth without breaking the bank.
Ramon Urias - A Reunion Worth Considering?
Ramon Urias was part of the Orioles’ midseason shake-up last summer, dealt to the Astros in exchange for right-hander Twine Palmer. The move made sense at the time-Baltimore was looking to retool-but Urias struggled to find his footing in Houston and was designated for assignment in November.
Now a free agent, Urias remains unsigned. And while he’s not a game-changer, he’s a known quantity in Baltimore-a solid defender with positional flexibility and a steady glove at third or second. If the Orioles want to add insurance to their infield mix ahead of spring training, a reunion with Urias wouldn’t be out of the question.
Bottom Line: While all eyes are on the Orioles’ pursuit of Framber Valdez, the club has other moves to consider. Spring training is fast approaching, and rounding out the roster with smart, low-risk signings could make all the difference in a long 162-game grind. Whether it’s a veteran arm like Cobb, a durable innings-eater like Sugano, or a utility man like Frazier or Urias, Baltimore has options-and the clock is ticking.