Valdez had what could arguably be considered his worst season since establishing himself in the Majors. He posted an ERA of 3.66 and a WHiP of 1.245 over 192 innings, striking out 187 batters with 68 walks. Are Free Agent stock may have taken another hit after a September incident in which Valdez may have been deliberately hit his catcher with a pitch just after giving up a grand slam. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports this that one team had taken Valdez off their free agent wish list entirely after that incident.
That doesn’t mean Valdez is worthless. He has thrown 902.1 innings since the start of the 2021 season fifth in the majors in that time frame, and was the ninth most valuable with 18.3 bWAR. Valdez has been a reliable starter who has a reputation as a viable number one starter in most rotations.
As one of the best pitchers available in free agency, Valdez will have a robust market. Let’s look at three possible landing spots.
Three potential landing spots for Framber Valdez in free agency
1. Toronto blue jays
While the Blue Jays’ rotation should be a strong point in 2026, that may not be the case after that. Pitchers Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios (opt-out clause) and Shane Bieber could all hit free agency after the season. 2025 starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer hit the market after this season and left a lot of question marks for Trey Yesavage for years to come.
Valdez would be an ideal fit in what could be a very different rotation in 2027. His durability and ability to throw relatively deep in the ball game would help alleviate the pressure on the Blue Jays’ younger arms. His postseason experience would also be an advantage as he could help the younger pitchers navigate the playoffs. He could be the front-line starter needed for the Blue Jays’ next postseason run.
2. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles were one of baseball’s biggest disappointments in 2025. After reaching the postseason in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles finished with a 77-85 record, last in the AL East. General manager Mike Elias may need the Orioles to return to the playoffs to save his job.
While the Orioles typically shy away from making big leaps in free agency, that may not be the case this offseason. Elias alluded to the Orioles potentially pursuing one of the top guns in free agency, recognizing the risks of a long-term deal but also recognizing the reality of their performance in 2025. Valdez, who did a career 61.5% ground ball ratewould be a perfect fit for a Baltimore infield where three players are lined up as shortstops on defense. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale noted this that Elias’ job is on the line if the Orioles don’t make the postseason, making an active offseason all the more likely.
3. Angels from Los Angeles
The Angels’ Sisyphean attempts to reach the postseason have led to several high-profile signings in free agency. Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Angels early in the 2024-2025 offseason as the Angels attempted to rebuild their rotation. He was the angels second most valuable pitcher in 2025, after Jose Soriano, giving Los Angeles a solid duo to build around.
Kikuchi and Soriano fit better in the middle of the rotation, leaving the Angels without a true frontline starter. Valdez could be that, giving the Angels another solid veteran option with the potential to dominate. Valdez did that too pitched well at Angel Stadiumwith an ERA of 3.03 and a WhiP of 1.102 over 65.1 innings in Los Angeles. If the Angels are going to climb above .500 for the first time since 2015, adding a pitcher like Valdez is a necessity.
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