Sep 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a. pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

This Move Would Make Orioles Legitimate Contenders

Originally posted on Baltimore Orioles on SI
By Pat Ragazzo | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 4:59 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles are one move away from topping off what has been a superb offseason.

President of baseball operations Mike Elias has added Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, Zach Eflin and Andrew Kittredge as the organization looks to get back to the postseason after missing out on October baseball in 2025.

But there's one signing that can not only get the Orioles back into the postseason, but make them legitimate contenders in the American League, and that's free agent ace Framber Valdez.

"Framber Valdez would slide right into that rotation and make them legit contenders right now in the (AL) East," MLB Network analyst Sean Casey said of the Orioles.

"Framber Valdez would slide right into that rotation and make them legit contenders..."

Which team is @TheMayorsOffice talking about? pic.twitter.com/uVSUUbzfD0
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 30, 2026

Valdez, 32, is coming off a season with the Houston Astros where he compiled a 13-11 record, 3.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 187 strikeouts and a 3.8 bWAR in 31 starts and 192 innings.

He has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the league since 2021 and has posted a career 3.36 ERA in 188 appearances since making his MLB debut in 2018. The two-time All-Star finished in the top 10 in AL Cy Young voting three straight years from 2022-2024.

Valdez is the frontline starter that Baltimore can pair atop their rotation with Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. This would make a stellar top three and give the Orioles a real chance to compete for the crown in a tough AL East division.

Beyond Valdez, the Orioles could go after Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito or Sandy Alcantara. Baltimore has been linked to all three of these starters, but their best option is still signing Valdez.

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