After a disappointing 2025 season that saw them finish with a 75-87 record and at the bottom of the American League East standings, the Baltimore Orioles have responded with a very busy offseason.
The Orioles have made several notable moves at this stage of the offseason. They won the Pete Alonso sweepstakes by signing the 31-year-old infielder to a five-year, $155 million contract. The Orioles also brought in multiple other players, like Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, Taylor Ward, and Andrew Kittredge. The Orioles also re-signed pitcher Zach Eflin to a one-year contract.
While the Orioles have certainly been aggressive this offseason, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they continued to look to make moves before the 2026 campaign is here. One of their most obvious needs is a star pitcher to solidify their rotation. Because of this, they have been heavily linked to top free agent pitcher Framber Valdez throughout the offseason.
Now, the Orioles are continuing to be connected to Valdez and have gotten a promising prediction regarding their pursuit of the two-time All-Star.
Orioles Predicted to Sign Framber Valdez to Multi-Year Contract
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Joel Reuter predicted each MLB team’s starting rotation for the 2026 season. Reuter’s prediction for the Orioles’ rotation was arguably the most notable, as he has Valdez at the top of it. In addition, Reuter predicted that the Orioles would sign Valdez to a three-year, $90 million contract in free agency.
“Orioles have long been the most likely landing spot for Framber Valdez, and now that his market has been whittled down by other potential suitors filling holes in their rotations, it remains the most likely outcome for his free agency. A three-year, $90 million deal with opt-outs after each season could make sense for both sides, giving the O’s a bona fide ace and Valdez a chance to revisit the market next winter,” Reuter wrote.
Seeing the Orioles once again being predicted as the landing spot for Valdez is not surprising in the slightest. It is no secret that the Orioles have been connected to him for much of this offseason, and the fit looks absolutely fantastic on paper.
The Orioles bringing in Valdez would also be fitting for what the American League East club has been doing throughout this winter. The Orioles want to be a legitimate threat in the league, and landing a star pitcher like Valdez would certainly help their chances of becoming just that in 2026.
Valdez Should Continue to Have Other Suitors
While the Orioles have been linked to Valdez for much of this offseason, there are some other teams that need to be watched in the sweepstakes. A few teams that have been connected to Valdez during this winter include the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves.
With Valdez being the best pitcher on the market, it makes sense that he is being viewed as a target for multiple clubs. Yet, the Orioles undoubtedly stand out as a clear fit, so it will be intriguing to see if they land him from here.
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