It's not a secret that the San Francisco Giants really want to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West Division this season. The Giants also would not mind adding an additional starter to their rotation.

With that in mind, San Francisco is still one of the teams being mentioned as a possible landing spot for former Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez.

Right now, Valdez is a man without a team. He's probably been sitting at home, checking his cell phone consistently for information from his agent.

But, as of now, Valdez's greatest claim to fame -- at least for now -- is being the top available free agent still on the market itself.

Longtime MLB executive Jim Bowden, who also is an MLB analyst for The Athletic, has Valdez ranked at the top of his remaining free agents list.

"Valdez is the best starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market and his representatives have been extremely quiet, operating under the radar in their negotiations for their client," Bowden wrote.

"Most in the industry believe that he will eventually land with the Baltimore Orioles for fewer years than he anticipated at the beginning of free agency," Bowden continued. That does make sense for Valdez to land with the Orioles. It keeps him in the American League, and he doesn't have to spend too much time learning about new teams.

"There are several other teams where he still fits, such as the San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves," Bowden wrote.

"Several of those teams either don’t have the budget to make the move or are waiting for his asking price to drop," according to The Athletic article. "One thing is for sure, he would be a complete difference maker for the Orioles and might be the final piece they need to get back to the postseason."

Bowden had Valdez ranked above right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and right-handed pitchers Chris Bassitt and Justin Verlander. They also are looking for their next home in the majors.

If Bowden sees Valdez as a difference maker for the Orioles, then it makes all the sense in the world to go pitch at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore wants to wipe the taste of last season out of its collective mouths.

Let's see if Valdez signs with Baltimore soon, because spring training is just around the corner.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!