Orioles and Mets Emerge as Final Contenders for Framber Valdez as Starting Pitching Market Tightens

As the MLB offseason continues to accelerate, the free agent market for starting pitching is rapidly thinning—and the Baltimore Orioles remain firmly in the center of the conversation.

Over the past several months, Baltimore has been consistently linked to many of the top remaining free agent pitchers. Among those names, left-hander Ranger Suárez surfaced most often as a potential target. That speculation came to an abrupt end on Wednesday when Suárez officially signed a five-year, $130 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, removing one of the most sought-after arms from the open market.

The deal caught many around the league by surprise. Not only did it reshape the Red Sox rotation, but it also sent ripple effects throughout the American League East, intensifying competition within one of baseball’s toughest divisions.

With Suárez off the board and other options disappearing quickly, attention has now shifted decisively toward Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez—the biggest remaining prize in free agency for teams seeking a frontline starter.

AL East Arms Race Intensifies

Suárez’s move to Boston underscores a growing trend across the AL East: aggressive investment in pitching.

Earlier in the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays made headlines by signing Dylan Cease, the top overall free agent starter, to a long-term deal before the Winter Meetings even began. That signing signaled Toronto’s intent to fortify its rotation and compete at the highest level in 2026 and beyond.

Now Boston has followed suit, assembling a deeper and more balanced rotation with Suárez anchoring the left side. These moves have placed added pressure on other contenders—particularly the Orioles—to respond.

Baltimore has already shown a willingness to spend this winter, making one of the offseason’s biggest splashes by landing first baseman Pete Alonso away from the New York Mets. Alonso’s power transforms the middle of the Orioles’ lineup and sends a clear message that the organization is serious about winning now.

But despite offensive upgrades, one need remains glaring: a true top-of-the-rotation starter.

Starting Pitching Market Shrinking Fast

The free agent pool has continued to shrink at an accelerated pace.

Last month, right-hander Michael King re-signed with the San Diego Padres, further reducing available pitching depth. With Cease and Suárez now gone, Framber Valdez stands alone as the premier remaining starting pitcher on the market.

According to several league insiders, there is a notable drop-off in quality after Valdez, making his availability even more valuable for teams in win-now mode.

That sentiment was echoed by former MLB general manager and current analyst Steve Phillips, who recently appeared on MLB Network and suggested Valdez’s market has narrowed to just two teams.

Steve Phillips: Orioles and Mets Lead the Race for Valdez

Phillips believes that the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets are the two most likely destinations for Valdez, especially following Suárez’s deal with Boston.

“But for Framber Valdez, now also represented by Scott Boras, I think getting the five years for Suárez—I think that even a couple years older, you’re going to get five years for Framber Valdez,” Phillips said. “He wasn’t a young pitcher who logged all kinds of youthful innings. He transitioned from being an outfielder earlier in his career. He’s a little bit older, but he’s a workhorse on the mound.”

That durability is precisely what makes Valdez so appealing.

Unlike many high-velocity starters whose workloads have been carefully managed, Valdez has consistently proven capable of handling heavy innings totals. He has been a stabilizing force in Houston’s rotation, delivering reliability in both the regular season and postseason.

Why Framber Valdez Fits Baltimore Perfectly

From a roster-construction standpoint, Baltimore’s interest in Valdez makes perfect sense.

The Orioles are a young, talented team that has already proven it can compete at a high level. What they have lacked, particularly in October, is a dominant, battle-tested starter who can neutralize elite lineups and pitch deep into games.

Valdez checks every box.

He is a proven postseason performer, a ground-ball specialist, and a pitcher capable of carrying a rotation. His presence would immediately elevate Baltimore’s staff and provide stability for younger arms behind him.

Adding Valdez would also signal a philosophical shift for the organization—one that prioritizes established pitching excellence alongside internal development.

Can the Orioles Outbid the Mets?

While Baltimore appears well-positioned, competition remains fierce.

The New York Mets, despite losing Pete Alonso earlier in the offseason, are still expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of pitching. With substantial financial resources and pressure to rebound quickly, the Mets could present the most significant obstacle to an Orioles deal.

Financially, Valdez is expected to command a major contract.

Shaan Donohue of Just Baseball projected a five-year, $140 million deal for Valdez—$10 million more than Suárez received from Boston. Given Valdez’s consistency and postseason résumé, that projection aligns with industry expectations.

Phillips also noted that after Valdez, the talent gap becomes pronounced.

“I think it’s down between the Orioles and the Mets,” Phillips said. “And I think the falloff after Framber Valdez to Zach Gallen is significant. There’s some unpredictability with Gallen. Framber is one of the most predictable pitchers.”

That predictability is invaluable for contenders. Teams know what they’re getting with Valdez: innings, composure, and high-level performance when it matters most.

Orioles at a Crossroads

For Baltimore, the decision looms large.

If the Orioles are serious about contending not only in the AL East but also in the postseason, adding an arm like Framber Valdez could be the difference between being a strong regular-season team and a legitimate World Series threat.

The front office could explore trades to address the rotation, but pitchers of Valdez’s caliber rarely become available without sacrificing significant long-term assets. Free agency provides a cleaner, more decisive solution.

With spring training approaching next month, the pressure is mounting for teams to finalize their rotations. Valdez is now the centerpiece of that conversation.

All Eyes on the Final Domino

As the offseason enters its final phase, Framber Valdez stands as the last elite starter waiting to choose his destination.

Wherever he signs, the impact will be immediate and significant. For the Orioles, landing Valdez would represent a defining moment—proof that the franchise is ready to match its rising talent with elite experience.

For the Mets, it would be a critical step toward reasserting themselves as contenders.

One way or another, the market is closing fast.

And Framber Valdez is the final piece that could reshape the balance of power in the American League heading into the 2026 season.