💥 BREAKING NEWS: Orioles have waited too long for Framber Valdez—and a name that once won Cy Young has unexpectedly emerged from the shadows ⚡ .MH

While Baltimore Orioles fans were still holding their breath waiting for news on Framber Valdez, another name unexpectedly emerged—not from the free agency market, but from the trade market. And that name was significant enough to change the tone of any discussion: Sandy Alcantara.

In Tuesday morning’s article in The Athletic, MLB insider Jim Bowden listed seven stars who could be traded before the season opener. Among familiar names like Tarik Skubal and Ketel Marte, Alcantara appeared as an option that made the Orioles pause and think—quickly, but meaningfully.

Not long ago, Alcantara was the definition of a “classic” ace. In 2022, he dominated the National League, winning Cy Young with 228.2 innings—leading the MLB—with an ERA of 2.28 and a WHIP of 0.98. A true inning-carrying machine. But that immense workload seems to have come at a price.

In 2023, Alcantara’s form declined, his ERA soaring to 4.14. Then, in October, the biggest blow struck: Tommy John Surgery, wiping out the entire 2024 season. When he returns in 2025, the familiar story of post-TJ pitchers emerges—command not yet back, pitching feel not yet perfect.

But according to Bowden, the bigger picture is tilting in a positive direction. Alcantara is now almost three years after surgery, a time when many pitchers begin to rediscover themselves. And that very “lag” could create a golden opportunity for Baltimore.

Compared to Framber Valdez, Alcantara presents a different challenge. Valdez is a recently proven ace, but that comes with a huge contract demand—rumored to be at least 5 years, $30 million per season. Alcantara is different: he’s signed through 2026, with a team option for 2027 of just $21 million. The risks are still there, but the entry price is significantly lower.

For the Orioles—a team meticulously calculating every year of control and every dollar of their budget—that’s a detail that can’t be ignored.

Baltimore didn’t stand still this winter. They brought in Shane Baz from the Rays, adding depth and upside to their rotation. But clearly, the O’s still want a real anchor. Initially, all the arrows pointed to Valdez. But as that trade dragged on, pivot potential became essential.

And the Orioles have what the Miami Marlins always need: prospects.

Even after trading four top prospects for Baz, Baltimore still has five Baseball America Top 100 players and Keith Law. In any negotiations, the Marlins will inevitably ask about Samuel Basallo or Dylan Beavers. Basallo is virtually untouchable after signing the extension, but the mere fact that the Orioles have names like that is enough to open the door to dialogue.

At 30, Alcantara is two years younger than Valdez. If he recovers properly, he could not only help the Orioles in 2026—but also provide exceptional value for money over the next two seasons. And if not? Baltimore still avoids a long-term commitment that could become a burden.

Here’s the key point: Alcantara is a gamble with limited risk.

If the Orioles want to be taken seriously as championship contenders in 2026, they need more than just a “good enough” rotation. They need an ace capable of raising the team’s ceiling. Framber Valdez remains the dream choice. But when that dream is delayed for too long, Sandy Alcantara starts to look more like… a realistic path.

And sometimes, season-defining deals don’t come from big headlines—but from the moment a team decides to change direction at the right time.