So, Framber Valdez is still out on the market, and honestly, it is a bit unusual for a pitcher of his caliber to still be a free agent this late in the offseason.
Valdez, one of the most consistent left-handed starters in the game, turned down the Houston Astros’ qualifying offer, and many teams are interested, including the Mets, Blue Jays, and Orioles.
Last season, Valdez went 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts and has been a workhorse since becoming a full-time starter, per MLB.
While his overall résumé remains strong, some teams may be pumping the brakes after Valdez struggled late in the 2025 season, which could be a factor in negotiations.
Still, there are definitely teams keeping an eye on him. According to reports, the New York Mets have met with Framber Valdez as they look to bolster their rotation. The Mets have been searching for reliable starting pitching after a disappointing season, but their recent acquisition of Freddy Peralta could likely end their pursuit of Valdez, per New York Post, 2025.
Baltimore has spent $195 million on free agents, including Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Zach Eflin, and Leody Taveras, ranking sixth in overall spending, per MLB. Using Ranger Suárez’s five-year, $130 million contract in Boston as a benchmark, Valdez could command roughly six years and $180 million, which would potentially place the Orioles ahead of the Dodgers and Blue Jays among top free-agent spenders.
The Toronto Blue Jays could also be interested, since they need another big arm in the rotation.
The Astros themselves could still be in the picture, too. Houston extended a qualifying offer to Valdez, which he rejected, keeping the door open for negotiations with any club, including Houston. If the Astros want to re-sign him, they might have to weigh how a large contract affects the rest of their roster and payroll.
At the end of the day, nobody really knows where Valdez will end up in 2026. Will he stay in Houston, sign with the Mets or Orioles, or land somewhere else entirely? Whoever lands Valdez is getting a proven, durable starter who can make a big impact in 2026.
As for the Astros, losing Valdez will sting. But between Hunter Brown and their most recent addition, Tatsuya Imai, an exciting addition, the pitching staff looks promising for the upcoming 2026 season.