The Baltimore Orioles need a frontline starter—that’s no longer a question. And Framber Valdez, the last remaining big name on the free market, is still… waiting. In theory, it’s a perfect match. In reality, the prolonged silence speaks volumes—about both Valdez and the Orioles themselves.
When the offseason began, Valdez was considered the market’s number one ace. But as the season progressed, that value was increasingly scrutinized by a contrasting final season in Houston: still effective, but also revealing flaws that teams should consider more carefully. The Orioles, meanwhile, broke the rules by signing Pete Alonso—but Mike Elias has yet to prove he’s willing to do the same with a veteran pitcher.
Why is the deal stalled? Every explanation sounds like… a red flag.
1) Are the Orioles playing it safe to the point of being stingy?
Baltimore is willing to spend $155 million on Alonso, but history under Elias shows a clear caution regarding long-term contracts for starters. Otherwise, Corbin Burnes wouldn’t have left. If the Orioles are “low-balling” Valdez, then the deadlock in negotiations is understandable. This is a team that prioritizes risk control—sometimes to the point of tying its own hands.
2) Is Valdez still holding onto an exorbitant price tag?
On the contrary, it’s very possible Valdez isn’t willing to lower his price. Early season predictions suggested his contract could approach $200 million. Dylan Cease has surpassed that mark; Ranger Suárez has also beaten expectations. If Valdez believes he belongs to that group, the cautious Orioles will struggle to keep up.
3) The question of personality isn’t fabricated.
In his final season at Houston, Valdez publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the defensive setup; Then there was the deliberate cross-up with the catcher at the end of the season. Despite attempts by the agency to downplay it, these details didn’t disappear. Given Elias’s deep connection to the Astros, the Orioles have enough data to worry that Valdez carries locker room risk—something Baltimore is trying very hard to build.
4) Does Valdez really believe the Orioles are championship contenders?
After a disappointing 2025 season, Valdez is likely viewing Baltimore through the same lens. The Orioles might say they’ve added enough to bounce back, and Valdez is the final piece—but belief sometimes needs more than promises.
None of the above options are ideal. Valdez is the last frontline starter on the market. If Baltimore wants to complete their checklist before Spring Training, they must step out of their comfort zone—or accept that their concerns (money, personality, ambition) are being exaggerated.
Otherwise, the Orioles will enter the season with a visible flaw—and a lingering question: are they truly willing to take risks to win big, or are they simply looking for the safety of not losing?
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