Valdez Watch: Seven Teams Primed to Pursue the Top Free Agent Pitcher
Table of Contents
As Spring Training nears, with the calendar flipping to February on Sunday and countdowns entering single-digit days, the market for top free agents remains surprisingly active. No player looms larger in the remaining free agency pool than starting pitcher Framber Valdez, who was considered among the top four arms available when the offseason began. While pitchers like Dylan Cease (Blue Jays), Ranger Suarez (Red Sox), and Michael King (Padres) have signed deals, Valdez, along with Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, and Chris Bassitt, are still seeking contracts.
Valdez, 32, has established himself as a durable and reliable starter. Despite a slight dip in performance late last season, he still exceeded 190 innings pitched for the third time in four seasons, maintaining a solid 3.66 ERA across 31 starts.This track record of consistency makes him a highly sought-after commodity.
Though, Valdez initially sought a deal of at least five years in length. Recent trends, exemplified by contracts signed by fellow free agents King, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette, suggest he may be open to a shorter-term contract with a higher average annual value and opt-out clauses. This strategy would allow him to re-enter the market in a year or two without facing a qualifying offer penalty.
With numerous teams still in need of starting pitching, Valdez has a wide range of potential landing spots.Here’s a look at seven clubs and how the left-hander might fit into their future plans:
Baltimore Orioles: A Familiar Face for a Contender
The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as the consensus favorite to land Valdez since the start of the offseason. The team has a clear need at the top of their rotation following the departure of Corbin Burnes. Baltimore has been active this winter, adding players like Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane baz, and Ryan Helsley, but Valdez would represent the final piece in their quest to return to the postseason. Notably, Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias previously served as the Astros’ scouting director when Valdez signed with Houston in 2015, giving him int
Chicago Cubs: Balancing Present and Future
The Chicago Cubs have been aggressive this offseason, adding Craig Counsell as manager and bolstering their lineup with Cody Bellinger and others. While their priority may not be another pitcher, their current all-right-handed rotation could benefit from a proven left-hander like Valdez.Furthermore, with Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber slated to become free agents after next season, signing Valdez would provide long-term stability to the rotation.
San Francisco Giants: A Potential Top-Tier Trio
The San Francisco Giants have added Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser to bolster their rotation behind Logan webb and Robbie Ray. Though, acquiring Valdez would give San Francisco one of the most formidable top-three starting pitcher combinations in Major League Baseball. The Giants have been reluctant to commit to long-term deals for starting pitchers in recent years, but Valdez could be a fit if he’s open to a shorter-term arrangement with opt-out clauses.
Atlanta Braves: Addressing a Durability Concern
The Atlanta Braves lack a proven workhorse capable of consistently delivering 190 innings, a feat Valdez has accomplished in three of the past four seasons. In fact, no Braves pitcher reached 160 innings last season, forcing the team to utilize 19 starters (including openers) in 2025. The Braves haven’t seen a pitcher throw 180 innings since Spencer Strider reached 186 2/3 innings in 2023. While they have options in pitchers like Reynaldo López, Spencer schwellenbach, and others, Valdez would provide the durability and consistency the Braves currently lack.
