After making the MLB playoffs in 2024, the Baltimore Orioles took a big step back in 2025 with a 75-87 record, which was good for last place in the American League East. However, a new offseason provides a fresh start and a new opportunity for Mike Elias to make amends for not addressing the starting rotation last offseason after losing Corbin Burnes.
A recent prediction has the Orioles making one of the biggest splashes in the starting pitcher market and acquiring a two-time All-Star from the Houston Astros.
Orioles Predicted to Sign Astros’ Framber Valdez
Talk about a big splash, and what would be a huge surprise in the free agent market this offseason.
In a recent post by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the BR writer predicts that Framber Valdez could sign with the Baltimore Orioles on a six-year, $200 million deal:
“He should be the cream of this year’s crop of free-agent pitchers. And just like Burnes surprised everyone last winter by signing with Arizona, perhaps Valdez winds up in an unexpected new home.”
“Prediction: Six years, $200M with Baltimore Orioles”
Framber Valdez has been a model of consistency as a southpaw over the last several years. He’s a two-time All-Star and helped the Astros mightily to a 2022 World Series title. In 2025, Valdez made 31 starts and posted a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings. He’s made 31 starts in three of the last four seasons, and has EIGHT complete games in that span.
The only thing that may hold Valdez back from reaching a $200 million deal is the fact that he is about to turn 32 later this month. But when you compare him to other lefty starters in the market (Ranger Suarez, Shota Imanaga), his production and consistency clear both southpaws by a mile.
Why the Orioles Should Make This Signing?
Framber Valdez would fill the Orioles’ biggest roster need: starting pitching. 2024 proved that Baltimore needed more rotation depth, especially after an injury to Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez’s inconsistency.
Valdez would immediately slot in as a front-line starter who complements their young core. Since 2021, he’s averaged around 180 innings per season and owns one of MLB’s best ground-ball rates, making him a stabilizing presence atop the staff.
He would also enjoy pitching in Camden Yards, which recently suppressed its left field wall to make it much harder for righties to hit home runs. Baltimore’s projected 2025 rotation is heavy with right-handed starters. A lefty like Valdez gives them matchup flexibility and variation in arm angles that can disrupt opposing lineups.
