When the offseason began, Framber Valdez was considered the “diamond” of the pitching market. A left-handed ace, consistent, with a solid record, and capable of changing the performance ceiling of any rotation. Yet, with Spring Training just weeks away, Valdez was still… unemployed.
This silence wasn’t accidental.
Within MLB, many believed the reason wasn’t his professional skills—but rather the cross-up moment with catcher César Salazar in September. Valdez’s attitude towards his battery mate sparked criticism from many former players, who called it selfish behavior, putting ego above the team. A seemingly small detail, but one that carried significant weight in a league increasingly valuing locker room culture.
And for the Baltimore Orioles—a team building a new identity—this was particularly sensitive.
New head coach Craig Albernaz has repeatedly emphasized team chemistry and the goal of creating a sustainable “winning culture.” In this context, Valdez is a paradox: his talent surpasses the rest of the market, but he raises questions about his compatibility. It’s not hard to understand why the Orioles, once considered their most promising destination, are now hesitating.
Right now, another name has emerged—less flashy, but a better fit: Nick Martinez.
Martinez isn’t an ace. But he’s the kind of player coaches love. In his last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Martinez threw a total of 308 innings in 82 appearances, both starting and relieving, with an ERA of 3.83, FIP of 3.81, and ERA+ of 117. He doesn’t overshadow Valdez (3.30 ERA, 125 ERA+ in the same period), but he’s reliable enough.
Martinez’s greatest value lies in his versatility. The Orioles already have Shane Baz, the rising Trevor Rogers, and Kyle Bradish expected to return full-go in 2026. Rotation, on paper, seems sufficient. What they need may not be another ace—but a glue: someone to set the pace at the end of the rotation, willing to drop back to the bullpen when needed, and provide stability as the season progresses.
Financially, the difference is even clearer. Valdez is reportedly seeking a five-year contract, at least $30 million per season—a long-term commitment with the associated cultural risk. Martinez, conversely, could be signed for two years totaling $30 million. Less pressure, less commitment, and giving the Orioles the flexibility to renew their young stars.
After the New York Mets—the only other team consistently linked with Valdez—changed course and traded Freddy Peralta, many expected Baltimore to step in. But that didn’t happen. And the more silent they are, the clearer it becomes that the Orioles are reassessing.
This doesn’t mean Valdez won’t get a good contract. Ken Rosenthal still believes he’ll get a “nice deal” simply because there aren’t many pitchers of that caliber. But for the Orioles, the question is probably no longer how good Valdez is, but whether he’s the right fit.
Between a controversial ace and a stable veteran who knows when to advance and when to retreat, Baltimore is facing a choice that best reflects their philosophy. And if they choose Nick Martinez, it’s not because they lack ambition—but because they’re prioritizing what they need most right now.
Leave a Reply