3 free agent starting pitcher targets for Orioles after missing out on Framber Valdez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Orioles have added a lot of talent this offseason, including Shane Baz and Zach Eflin in the starting rotation.

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But the Orioles could still use another starter. Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are a great duo atop the rotation, but another starter would be a nice upgrade for the Orioles.

Framber Valdez would’ve been perfect, but as Jesse Rogers of ESPN notes, the Orioles missed out on Valdez to the Detroit Tigers. With a need in the rotation and Valdez off the board, there are three solid options the Orioles can target in free agency this winter.

3 SP Orioles can target after missing out on Framber Valdez to Tigers1. Zac Gallen, RHP

Of the remaining free agent pitchers, there is one clear top option, and it’s Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Zac Gallen.

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The right-handed pitcher is 30 years old and coming off a mediocre season by his standards. He had a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts in 2025 for the Diamondbacks, the worst season in his MLB career.

But, he has a 3.58 ERA in seven seasons in the Majors, and has been a top-5 Cy Young finalist twice in the last four seasons.

Gallen is the highest upside free agent left, and someone the Orioles should go after now that Valdez is off the board.

More: Tigers’ contract details for Framber Valdez make for absurd record-breaking deal

2. Chris Bassitt, RHP

But, if the Orioles don’t want to splurge on a starter like Gallen, who is sure to land a solid deal, they could turn to Chris Bassitt.

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The former Toronto Blue Jays starter is going to be 37 years old this upcoming season, and he will be a decent depth piece for the Orioles rotation if they sign him.

He had a 3.96 ERA in 2025 across 32 starts. In his MLB career, Bassitt has a 3.64 ERA in 11 seasons.

While he might not have the ceiling of Gallen or Valdez, his floor is worth investing in for the Orioles this offseason. If they’re to sign a starter, and not a top name, Bassitt wouldn’t be a terrible option.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

3. Justin Verlander, RHP

This would be one of the more fun options the Orioles could consider. Justin Verlander is a future Hall of Famer and will be 43 years old in 2026.

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But he still wants to pitch, and last year, he wasn’t a bad starter. He had a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts and was a much better pitcher down the stretch. In his final 13 starts, Verlander had a 2.60 ERA for the San Francisco Giants.

The MVP, three-time Cy Young, and future Hall of Famer is sure to have interest from around the league, but the Orioles should pounce on the chance to sign Verlander if he’s an option.

Not only would it be a fun storyline, but Verlander is a solid pitcher still and would be a nice addition to the rotation.

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