Orioles Reportedly Frontrunners to Sign Framber Valdez

Baltimore's connection to the free agent pitcher continues to strengthen as the offseason drags on.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as the top contender to sign free agent pitcher Framber Valdez, according to MLB analyst Steve Phillips. Valdez, who previously played for the Houston Astros, has a strong connection to Orioles GM Mike Elias, who worked with him in Houston. While the two sides have yet to reach a deal, Phillips believes the longer negotiations go, the more likely it is Valdez ends up in Baltimore.

Why it matters

Signing Valdez would be a major coup for the Orioles, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation and continue their rebuild towards contention. Valdez is one of the top remaining free agents on the market and would provide Baltimore with a proven, durable starting pitcher to anchor their staff.

The details

According to Phillips, the holdup in negotiations appears to be over contract terms, with Valdez seeking either more years or a higher average annual value than the Orioles' current offer. However, Phillips believes Baltimore holds the upper hand, noting that Valdez hasn't accepted a deal elsewhere, suggesting the Orioles' offer may be the best one on the table.

  • The Orioles and Framber Valdez have been heavily linked throughout the 2026 MLB offseason.

The players

Framber Valdez

A free agent starting pitcher who previously played for the Houston Astros.

Mike Elias

The general manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who previously worked with Framber Valdez during his time with the Astros.

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What they’re saying

“The Orioles seem to be the top team, and it makes sense because Mike Elias knows him from his days in Houston. There's a connection there. But the longer it goes, the more it makes you wonder whether somebody surprising jumps in there on it. I can't imagine it goes much further. There's not anymore years or money you're going to get from people, the offers are the offers. I'll be shocked if he's not an Oriole when it's all said and done.”

— Steve Phillips, MLB Analyst

“He's not getting the deal he wants. He wants either more years or more dollars per year, and maybe it's in relation to the Ranger Suarez contract. If you're Mike Elias, you put him wherever you offered him, and he hasn't taken a deal somewhere else, which makes you believe you may have the best offer.”

— Steve Phillips, MLB Analyst

What’s next

The Orioles and Framber Valdez will likely continue negotiations in the coming days, with the goal of reaching a contract agreement before the start of spring training.

The takeaway

The Orioles' pursuit of Framber Valdez underscores their commitment to improving their starting rotation and building a contender in Baltimore. While the two sides have yet to finalize a deal, the growing connection between Valdez and Orioles GM Mike Elias suggests the talented pitcher could soon be calling Camden Yards his new home.