Framber Valdez Remains a Free Agent as Spring Training Nears: What’s Holding Up One of MLB’s Most Durable Arms?
Spring training is just around the corner, but Framber Valdez - one of the most reliable starting pitchers in baseball - is still without a team. That’s not just surprising; it’s downright puzzling.
We’re talking about a left-hander who’s made 30 starts in each of the past four seasons. In a league where durability is gold, Valdez has been money in the bank.
And yet, as camps prepare to open, his name remains on the free-agent board.
At 32, Valdez brings experience, consistency, and a track record of handling a heavy workload - the kind of résumé that usually gets snapped up early in the offseason. But this winter’s pitching market has been more of a slow burn than a fireworks show.
Teams are clearly weighing more than just innings and ERA. The hesitation seems rooted in long-term cost, timing, and how much gas evaluators think Valdez has left in the tank.
Still, when you look at who’s left on the market, Valdez stands alone as the top available starter. He’s battle-tested, still effective, and capable of anchoring a rotation from Day 1. For contenders looking to shore up their pitching staff, he’s the kind of piece that can shift the balance of power.
According to league insiders, the Padres, Cubs, and Tigers are all in the mix - each for different reasons.
In San Diego, the potential departure of Yu Darvish’s remaining $43 million could open up the financial flexibility for A.J. Preller to make a move. The Padres are no strangers to bold decisions, and if they can clear the books, Valdez could slide right into a rotation that’s looking to stay competitive in a tight NL West.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have already spent big this offseason and might be ready to go all-in. Adding another frontline starter could be their ticket to keeping pace with the Dodgers and Braves in the National League. Valdez would bring stability and postseason experience to a rotation that’s still rounding into form.
Then there’s Detroit. The Tigers are watching the Tarik Skubal situation closely, and if an extension doesn’t come together, Valdez could be their long-term answer at the top of the rotation. He fits the mold of a veteran leader who can help guide a young staff - and help the Tigers take the next step out of their rebuild.
But as of now, the two teams to watch most closely are in the AL East.
The Baltimore Orioles are still considered the frontrunners, but the Toronto Blue Jays are making a serious push. And they’ve got the momentum.
Toronto has already shelled out $337 million this winter in a clear bid to return to World Series contention. Adding Valdez to a rotation that already includes Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, and José Berríos would give them one of the deepest starting staffs in baseball.
That move wouldn’t just be about strengthening their own roster - it would also be about keeping a key arm away from a division rival. Blocking Baltimore from landing Valdez could have just as much impact as signing him outright.
And the Jays aren’t done spending. If they land Valdez, their offseason tab could rise to nearly $500 million. That’s a serious statement - and a serious escalation in the AL East arms race.
With spring training on the doorstep, the clock is ticking. One signing - especially one as significant as Framber Valdez - could crack this market wide open. He won’t be waiting much longer.