For the past few days, we have been hearing that the Baltimore Orioles are going to sign another starting pitcher. After Freddy Peralta was taken off the market, things became a bit clearer. And Framber Valdez looked like he was the best fit. Meanwhile, a new $1.6 billion contender has entered the market for Valdez, making things difficult for the Orioles.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are slowly becoming the favorites to sign Valdez.

“The signs seem pointed toward Framber Valdez landing with the Baltimore Orioles,” wrote Zachary D. Rymer. “But if any alternative is worth plucking out of the hat, it’s the Diamondbacks… Were they to sign Valdez, they’d get to slot him at the top of their rotation.”

Bob Nightengale reported rival executives expect Baltimore to sign a frontline starter this offseason. That report followed the Mets’ signing of  Freddy Peralta, removing Baltimore from that pitching chase. With Peralta gone, Framber Valdez became the top remaining starter on the market, going by Nightengale’s projections.

The Baltimore Orioles addressed offense and bullpen early, signaling urgency across multiple roster needs leaguewide. Yet the rotation lacked an ace, keeping Valdez relevant throughout Baltimore’s offseason planning.

Framber Valdez brings a 3.36 ERA across 1080.2 innings, proving durability and consistent results. Those numbers support his top rotation status and explain sustained interest leaguewide.

Contract projections place Valdez at around 6 years and $168 million.

Such terms would challenge Baltimore’s history but align with competitive timelines ahead, entering 2026.

However, Arizona emerged as a surprise fit, complicating Baltimore’s pursuit of Valdez this winter.

The Diamondbacks need rotation stability and value Valdez’s groundball profile at Chase Field. They can absorb shorter-term risk while protecting payroll flexibility beyond 2026 season plans. A potential Arizona deal could mirror projections with fewer years and a higher annual value. That fit explains why league reports now include Arizona alongside the Baltimore Orioles.

Financially, Arizona remains capable without exceeding past payroll peaks or core extensions already signed. Whether Baltimore or Arizona lands Valdez, the outcome hinges on years, money, and timing alone.

Signing Framber Valdez will lead to a fight for the last spot in the Orioles rotation

While whispers link the Diamondbacks to the 32-year-old lefty, Baltimore has emerged as a serious threat. Landing Valdez would reshuffle the deck, turning the battle for the final rotation spot into a full-blown strategic showdown.

If the Orioles sign Framber Valdez, their rotation could look significantly stronger at the top. Valdez, who posted a 3.42 ERA over 180.2 innings in 2025, brings proven durability and strikeout ability.

Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers would likely fill the second and third rotation spots in some order. Shane Baz would probably occupy the fourth slot, leaving one open for the final starter. That open spot for the fifth starter creates a complex decision for the Orioles’ coaching staff.

Top Stories

Max Scherzer’s “Unfinished Business” Sends Clear Signal to Blue Jays After Honest Plea to All 30 MLB Teams

Bob Nutting, Pirates Put on Notice After Andrew McCutchen Publicly Reveals Clubhouse Rift

Aaron Judge Hilariously Dissed by Yankees’ 5X World Series Champ After 3rd MVP Win

Derek Jeter Makes Feelings Known About Hal Steinbrenner’s Ownership as Bronx Fans Give Up on Yankees

Dean Kremer leads with 171.2 innings pitched, 142 strikeouts, and a 4.19 ERA during 2025. Zach Eflin offers upside but comes off a back injury that limited him to 71.1 innings and a 5.93 ERA. Cade Povich and Tyler Wells also compete, with Povich striking out 118 over 112.1 innings and Wells limiting opponents to a .213 average in 21.2 innings.

Each option carries clear strengths and potential risks that the Orioles must weigh carefully this spring.

Kremer provides consistency but struggles early, posting a 6.24 ERA in March and April. Eflin could regain form, but he endured four major back injuries, causing an 11.29 ERA in his final five 2025 starts. Povich offers youth and strikeout upside but allowed 1.4 home runs per nine innings, one of the highest in 2025.

Wells can dominate when healthy, yet he has never thrown more than 104.2 innings in a full season.

Clearly, Framber Valdez’s arrival will crowd the Orioles’ rotation and strategically complicate this spring. Dean Kremer, Zach Eflin, Cade Povich, and Tyler Wells now face a high-stakes audition for the final spot. Baltimore’s coaching staff must balance performance, health, and upside while keeping the fans awake at night.