HOUSTON, TX – After a promising season that revealed some weaknesses in their starting rotation, the Baltimore Orioles are exploring ways to strengthen their pitching staff. One name that stands out on the free-agent market is left-hander Framber Valdez, who could be an ideal fit for the team’s young roster.
Valdez has spent years with the Houston Astros and is expected to be among the most sought-after pitchers this offseason. At 32, he posted a 3.66 ERA over 192 innings in 2025, striking out 187 batters—showing both reliability and endurance. Along with his impressive stats, Valdez’s steady performance and playoff experience make him a compelling target for a Baltimore team that struggled with rotation ERA last year.
The Orioles have built a competitive team around homegrown stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday. Bringing in a proven ace like Valdez could take this group to the next level.
In 2025, Baltimore’s rotation had bright spots—Trevor Rogers stepped up, and Kyle Bradish returned from injury. Still, the team didn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 starter who could consistently handle a heavy workload and face the best in the AL East. Valdez’s track record of pitching more than 180 innings in several seasons would fill that gap.
But Valdez offers more than impressive stats. He’s been through several playoff runs with the Astros and knows what it takes to pitch under pressure. That experience could be invaluable for Baltimore’s younger pitchers. While Houston might want to keep him, budget issues could make Valdez available to a team ready to offer a long-term deal.
For the Orioles, the timing couldn’t be better. After finishing last in the AL East in 2025, the team’s window to compete is opening up, and the front office seems ready to invest—especially in pitching. Adding someone like Valdez wouldn’t just strengthen the rotation; it would also give the bullpen a break after a season of heavy use.
Of course, bringing in a top-tier pitcher comes with a big price tag. Valdez is expected to be among the highest-paid free agents this year. But Baltimore’s ownership has shown it’s willing to spend, and someone of Valdez’s caliber could make a real difference in the competitive AL East.
For Orioles fans, the thought of pairing a proven veteran with rising young stars is exciting. With pitching depth a clear priority this offseason, Valdez could be the missing piece that turns Baltimore from a contender into a true division threat in 2026 and beyond.
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