Framber Valdez might be on the move - and if he lands in the AL East, things could get a lot more interesting.
The left-hander is widely regarded as the top starting pitcher still available on the free agent market, and his name continues to draw attention from multiple clubs. One team that’s been loosely connected to Valdez is the Toronto Blue Jays, who’ve already swung and missed on a couple of big names this offseason.
But the team to really keep an eye on? The Baltimore Orioles.
According to reports, the Orioles had in-person discussions with Valdez during the GM Meetings in Las Vegas - before they pulled off the Dylan Cease trade - and there was mutual interest at that time. While it’s unclear how much traction those talks have gained recently, Baltimore remains one of the more serious contenders to land the lefty, alongside the New York Mets.
For the Blue Jays, circling back on Valdez would be a clear signal that they’re going all-in on run prevention. But around the league, the consensus is that Baltimore and New York are the more likely destinations.
If the Orioles do manage to bring Valdez into the fold, it would be a major statement - and a serious boost to an already ascending roster. Baltimore is coming off a breakout season, and adding a proven workhorse like Valdez would give them another frontline arm to pair with their young core. It also wouldn’t hurt in a division that’s already stacked with pitching talent.
Valdez, who posted a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA over 31 starts last season with the Astros, brings durability and postseason experience to the table. He’s not just someone who eats innings - he’s a tone-setter, a lefty with a heavy sinker and a knack for inducing soft contact. In a division like the AL East, where lineups are deep and ballparks are hitter-friendly, that kind of profile is especially valuable.
And for the Red Sox? Well, if Valdez ends up in Baltimore, that’s one more hurdle in an already crowded race. The AL East is shaping up to be a dogfight once again, and adding a pitcher of Valdez’s caliber to the mix only tightens the margins.
Bottom line: wherever Valdez signs, he’s going to shift the balance. But if it’s Baltimore, the rest of the division - Boston included - better be ready.