The Baltimore Orioles enter 2026 with a feeling rarely seen in years: they’ve done almost everything right.
Mike Elias and the executive team didn’t hesitate to act. Taylor Ward was brought in to bolster firepower. Pete Alonso arrived with a high-profile contract. Ryan Helsley solved the late-game problem. Shane Baz and Zach Eflin added depth to the rotation. On paper, this is a roster capable of seriously competing.
But AL East isn’t a place where “good enough” is acceptable.
The Yankees haven’t lost a season since 1992. The Red Sox are young and have just won 89 games. The Rays are still the Rays—always exceeding expectations. And the Blue Jays are just one win away from a World Series championship, and they’re still strengthening their roster. In that context, the Orioles need more than just strength—they need to be stronger than their direct competitors.
And that’s why, despite everything they’ve done, Baltimore still feels like something’s missing.
Looking straight at the roster, the answer is pretty clear: a true frontline starter.
Baz brings upside. Eflin brings stability. But in a division where every series is a mini-playoff, the Orioles need someone who can step out of the mound and change the game—especially in September and October.
Framber Valdez fits that description almost perfectly.
A left-hander, durable, and seasoned postseason veteran. In the last four seasons, Valdez has had a 3.21 ERA, nearly 15 bWAR, and has been a pillar of the Astros during their most stressful times. He doesn’t just shoot well—he carries the load well. Something the Orioles lacked when the season dragged on and pitching staff started to crumble.
The problem is: Baltimore isn’t alone anymore.
Jon Heyman confirmed that the Blue Jays have officially entered the race. Ken Rosenthal added the Pirates to the roster. And as more teams begin to push their way into the final stages of the free agency window, things can change very quickly.
For the Orioles, the risk isn’t just “not signing Valdez.” The risk is seeing Valdez play for a rival, even a divisional rival. Such a scenario would make the AL East race much tougher—and put pressure back on the deals Baltimore has already made.
Time is not on their side. With spring training approaching, Valdez will have to make a decision. And if the Orioles truly believe they are ready to reach the top tier of the American League, now is the time to prove it.
Every move so far this winter has shown ambition. But in a division where one misstep can be costly, ambition needs to be sealed with final action.
Framber Valdez wasn’t the most flashy signing. But he might be the most important one — not just to raise the team’s ceiling, but to prevent rivals from doing the same.
And in AL East, sometimes winning isn’t just about making yourself stronger — it’s about not letting the other side get stronger right in front of you.
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