With spring training just weeks away, one of the biggest names left on the free agent board is still unsigned - and it's not just any name. Framber Valdez, the 32-year-old left-hander with one of the most consistent résumés in the league, remains a free agent. But that may not be the case for much longer.
According to multiple insiders, the Baltimore Orioles are emerging as the frontrunners to land Valdez. And if the buzz is to be believed, the O’s may be ready to go all in.
Orioles Eyeing a Big Arm - and a Bigger Statement
Baltimore has already made waves this offseason, committing $195 million to four free agents: Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Zach Eflin, and Leody Taveras. That level of activity has them sitting sixth among MLB teams in total spending this winter. But it looks like general manager Mike Elias may have one more move up his sleeve - and it could be a game-changer.
Valdez, projected to command a deal in the range of six years and $180 million, would be the crown jewel of Baltimore’s offseason. That type of contract would push the Orioles past the Dodgers and Blue Jays in total free-agent spending - a stunning shift for a franchise that, until recently, had been known more for player development than free-agent fireworks.
This isn’t just about adding talent. It’s about signaling a new era in Baltimore - one where the front office is willing to spend like a contender and act like one, too.
Filling a Critical Need in the Rotation
Let’s be clear: the Orioles need Framber Valdez.
Coming off a disappointing 75-87 season that left them 19 games back in the AL East, Baltimore is trying to rebound in a division that doesn’t offer much breathing room. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays all have postseason aspirations - and the O’s can’t afford to fall behind again.
Valdez would immediately slot in as the ace of Baltimore’s rotation. He’s not just the best starter left on the market - he’s one of the most reliable arms in baseball over the past half-decade.
In six seasons as a full-time starter with the Astros, Valdez logged 973 innings with a 3.23 ERA, 951 strikeouts, and an 18.6 bWAR. He’s thrown nine complete games and three shutouts, and his ability to induce ground balls has made him a nightmare for opposing hitters. His sinker is one of the most effective weapons in the game, and when he’s on, he can dominate lineups deep into games.
Yes, 2025 wasn’t his sharpest season - a 3.66 ERA and 13-11 record over 31 starts - but he still put up 3.8 bWAR and nearly 200 innings. That’s the kind of durability and production that teams crave, especially in an era where innings-eaters are increasingly rare.
Quiet Market, Loud Potential
Despite his track record, Valdez’s free agency has been surprisingly quiet. His camp has kept negotiations under wraps, and while teams like the Giants, Tigers, Phillies, and Braves have been loosely connected, it’s the Orioles who appear most ready - and most willing - to meet his price.
Some rival clubs are reportedly waiting for Valdez’s asking price to come down. Others simply don’t have the budget flexibility to make a serious offer. That creates a window for Baltimore to strike - and insiders believe they’re ready to do just that.
There’s even talk that Valdez could sign for fewer years than originally expected, which would only sweeten the deal for a team like the Orioles that’s eager to win now.
The Final Piece?
If Baltimore does land Valdez, it could be the final piece of a puzzle that’s been in the works for years. The Orioles have built a strong young core through the draft and development. Now, they’re supplementing that with proven veterans - and Valdez would be the kind of addition that signals they’re ready to take the next step.
He’s not just a top-of-the-rotation arm. He’s a tone-setter.
A playoff-tested lefty with the stuff and mentality to lead a staff. For a team trying to claw its way back into October baseball, that’s exactly what you want.
The Orioles have already made noise this offseason. If they land Framber Valdez, it won’t just be noise - it’ll be a statement.