Three potential landing spots for pitcher Framber Valdez

Framber Valdez did not have the walk year he hoped for with the Houston Astros.

Valdez had what could arguably be considered his worst season since establishing himself in the majors. He posted a 3.66 ERA and a 1.245 WHiP over 192 innings, striking out 187 batters with 68 walks. His free-agent stock may have taken another hit after an incident in September in which Valdez may have intentionally hit his catcher with a pitch right after giving up a grand slam. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that one team had taken Valdez entirely off their free agent wish list following that incident.

That is not to say that Valdez is without value. He has thrown 902.1 innings since the start of the 2021 season, the fifth most in the majors in that time frame, and has been the ninth most valuable with 18.3 bWAR. Valdez has been a dependable starter who has a track record of being a viable number one starter in most rotations.

As one of the top pitchers available in free agency, Valdez will have a robust market. Let's look at three possible landing spots.

Three potential landing spots for Framber Valdez in free agency

1. Toronto Blue Jays

While the Blue Jays' rotation should be a strength in 2026, that may not be the case afterward. Pitchers Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios (opt-out clause) and Shane Bieber could all enter free agency after the season. 2025 starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer entered the market after this season, leaving plenty of question marks behind Trey Yesavage in future years.

Valdez would be an ideal fit in what could be a vastly different rotation in 2027. His durability and ability to pitch relatively deep into the ballgame would help alleviate pressure on the Blue Jays younger arms. His postseason experience would also be an advantage as he could help guide the younger pitchers through how to navigate the playoffs. He could be that frontline starter needed for the next Blue Jays postseason run.

2. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball in 2025. After reaching the postseason in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles finished with a 77-85 record, last in the AL East. General manager Mike Elias may need the Orioles to return to the playoffs in order to save his job.

Although the Orioles have typically shied away from making large splashes in free agency, that cannot be the case this offseason. Elias alluded to the Orioles possibly chasing one of the top arms in free agency, noting the risks of a long-term deal but also recognizing the reality of their 2025 performance. Valdez, who has a career 61.5% ground ball rate, would be a perfect fit with a Baltimore infield that has three players drafted as shortstops on defense. USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that Elias' job is on the line if the Orioles do not make the postseason, making an active offseason all the more likely.

3. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels' Sisyphean attempts to reach the postseason have led to several high-profile signings in free agency. Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Angels early in the 2024-25 offseason as the Angels attempted to rebuild their rotation. He was the Angels' second-most valuable pitcher in 2025, trailing Jose Soriano, giving Los Angeles a solid duo to build around.

Kikuchi and Soriano are better fits in the middle of the rotation, leaving the Angels without a true frontline starter. Valdez could be that, providing the Angels another solid veteran option who has the potential to dominate. Valdez has also pitched well at Angel Stadium, posting a 3.03 ERA and a 1.102 WHiP over 65.1 innings in Los Angeles. If the Angels are going to climb above .500 for the first time since 2015, adding a pitcher such as Valdez is a necessity.