The Baltimore Orioles have been linked to what seems like every available starting pitcher on the open market.
Baltimore has made two moves to invest in their rotation, like trading for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz and by resigning Zach Eflin. However, the front office has yet to bring in an elite, top of the rotation arm to pair with Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers.
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With starting pitchers like Ranger Suarez, Michael King and Dylan Cease off the market, Baltimore is rumored to have keened in on southpaw starting pitcher, Framber Valdez, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
After the New York Mets traded for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta on January 21, it seems like Baltimore is the only suitor remaining for Valdez.
Prior to the Peralta trade, New York was considered a heavy suitor for Valdez, but now they have taken a backseat in their pursuit for the southpaw, opening the door for Baltimore.
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Valdez is a bonafide top of the rotation arm, as his career 3.36 ERA over a 1080.2 inning sample size displays his ability to lead a pitching rotation.
If Baltimore were to land Valdez, he would immediately slot into the top of the rotation alongside Kyle Bradish, who is set to be fully healthy for the first time since 2023.
Adding Valdez would round out Baltimore’s pitching staff, giving them one of the better rotations in the American League.
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Houston Astros Starting Pitcher Framber Valdez (59) | © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
However, the two sides have yet to agree on a contract, as Valdez’s desire for a long-term contract could possibly be stalling negotiations.
MLB insider and analyst Jim Bowden believes Valdez may have to settle for a short-term, high AAV deal:
“I think when free agency started, they were looking for a 6/7-year deal. He’s not going to get that,” said Bowden on MLB Network’s Foul Territory.
The belief around the league is that Baltimore is next in line to sign a frontline starter, with Valdez being the only pitcher who fits that criteria.
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With that being said, Baltimore could look to add another starter via trade, or even through free agency.
Some notable starting pitchers who still remain unsigned are Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt and Justin Verlander, but it seems that Baltimore wants a bonafide top of the rotation arm.
With Peralta being traded to New York, there are very few frontline starters that are on the trade block.
If Baltimore were to sign Valdez, I would expect the contract to be 3-4 years with opt-outs, possibly reaching up to $35 million dollars a year.