The Baltimore Orioles should add left-handed starter Framber Valdez.
The Baltimore Orioles offseason has officially begun, and the organization wasted no time making its first major splash. On Friday, the club announced the signing of first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, immediately slotting him into the middle of the lineup.
Alonso’s arrival provides Baltimore with a proven power bat and a durable presence, a move that signals the front office’s intent to act aggressively under new ownership. The expectation has been clear: spend money, build around the strong young core and capitalize on cost-controlled talent before the window of contention closes.
Last season was a disappointment for the Orioles, who took a step backward by finishing under .500 and missing the playoffs. That outcome is not expected to repeat in 2026, but the job is far from finished. The front office is not expected to stop spending, and the roster still has glaring needs. The most pressing issue is starting pitching.
While the offense faltered at times, the rotation was the bigger problem, struggling to log innings and consistently keep the team in games. Baltimore’s starters combined for a 4.60 ERA, which ranked 26th in MLB, a figure that underscores how much improvement is required if the team hopes to contend.
Fortunately for the Orioles, the free agent market is loaded with talented and reliable arms. One of the most appealing options is left-hander Framber Valdez, who has established himself as one of the most dependable pitchers in the league.
Valdez would be the perfect fit for Baltimore’s rotation. The 32-year-old has been one of the most reliable arms in baseball, logging 121 starts over the last four seasons and consistently giving his team quality innings.
Across eight years with the Houston Astros, Valdez has built a career 3.36 ERA, a mark that reflects both his effectiveness and his ability to limit damage even against elite lineups. He is not only durable but also a strikeout threat, recording 187 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched last season while continuing to limit hard contact.
His track record includes proven success as a two-time All-Star, and he has extensive postseason experience from his years in Houston. Valdez has pitched in October on multiple occasions, including the Astros’ run to the 2022 World Series championship, where he played a key role. That kind of championship pedigree would be invaluable to an Orioles team that is still learning how to win on the biggest stage.
Adding Valdez would give Baltimore the frontline starter it desperately needs, someone capable of anchoring the rotation and setting the tone every fifth day. Combined with Alonso’s bat, his presence could transform the Orioles into a legitimate contender in 2026.