The Baltimore Orioles recently met with left-hander Framber Valdez.
The Baltimore Orioles have had an impressive MLB offseason so far, with multiple big acquisitions that have reshaped their roster. Arguably, they have improved more than any other team in the league, and the front office may not be finished.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Baltimore has already met with the top arm currently available on the free-agent market, Framber Valdez, a pitcher who could immediately step in as the team’s ace.
“The Mets along with the Giants and Orioles are among teams that met with star free agent pitcher Framber Valdez,” Heyman reported on Thursday.
Adding Valdez would be a transformative move for Baltimore. The left-hander has established himself as one of the most consistent frontline starters in the game, posting a career 3.36 ERA with more than 1,000 strikeouts across eight seasons. He was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023, finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting in 2022 and played a pivotal role in Houston’s 2022 World Series championship run.
Valdez is known for his durability, having thrown over 190 innings in three of the last four seasons, and his elite ground-ball rate makes him a perfect fit for Camden Yards, where keeping the ball in the park is critical.
For the Orioles, the timing could not be better. After years of rebuilding, Baltimore has assembled one of the deepest lineups in the American League, highlighted by stars like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.
The team has already added significant offensive firepower this winter, including first baseman Pete Alonso, signaling a clear intent to contend. What they lack, however, is a true ace to anchor the rotation even after adding right-hander Shane Baz via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. Valdez would fill that void immediately, giving Baltimore a proven No. 1 starter who can match up with the best arms in October.
Beyond the numbers, Valdez brings a competitive edge and postseason experience that would elevate the Orioles’ pitching staff. His ability to handle high-leverage situations and pitch deep into games would ease the burden on the bullpen, a critical factor in playoff baseball.
For a franchise that has not reached the World Series since 1983, the addition of Valdez could be the missing piece that turns Baltimore from a dangerous contender into a legitimate championship favorite.
At a time when the Orioles are looking to maximize their championship window, signing Valdez would not just be a splash — it would be a statement.