One of the best starting pitchers available in the offseason to sign big contracts is Framber Valdez. The Astros pitcher was initially one of the most sought after in his position because many teams were looking for a guy with his conditions for rotations, but none signed him. He is still struggling to find a place in the winter market.
It was strongly rumored that the Mets were the most interested in having him. It was also said that he could go to the Yankees to strengthen their bullpen; however, to the surprise of locals and strangers, they opted for Ryan Weathers, a player who does not have the numbers or experience to be on the New York roster.
According to ESPN’s Paul Hembekides, the Orioles are the most eager to sign Framber at the moment. They waited for some free agents’ rates to drop in order to adjust their payroll budget to the financial interests of the players who remain unsigned. With Valdez, Baltimore is considering an offer of close to $180 million over six years.
Baltimore has already committed $195 million to four free agents (Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Zach Eflin and Leody Taveras), which ranks them sixth in spending so far. But general manager Mike Elias, who is entering the final year of his contract, still has one big final blow to strike: Framber Valdez
After the Red Sox signed Ranger Suarez for $130 million on a five-year deal, Framber Valdez is in a position to increase $50 million for one more year to his free agent demands. If he were to arrive in Baltimore, the franchise would become the biggest spender this offseason.
A contract that would put the Orioles ahead of the Dodgers and Blue Jays as the biggest-spending teams in baseball in free agency
Other MLB teams interested in Framber Valdez
Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported that several organizations are interested in signing the pitcher. Unlike Baltimore, the franchises bidding for him do not have the capital for what he is asking as a free agent or to reach the $180 million that the Orioles are putting on the table to lure him.
There are several other teams he would still fit on: the San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. Several of those teams either don’t have the budget to make the move or are waiting for his price to come down. One thing is for sure: he would be a completely decisive factor for the Orioles. He could be the final piece they need to return to the postseason
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