As teams across MLB search for rotation upgrades this offseason, few starters on the market will be more sought after than Framber Valdez. Coming off another year as one of baseball’s most reliable left-handers, Valdez has positioned himself as a coveted free-agent target for clubs looking to solidify the top of their rotation.
MLB Free Agency: 3 Teams Likely To Make Offers To Framber Valdez
Here are three possible destinations for the former Houston Astros pitcher:
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have question marks throughout their pitching rotation heading into the offseason. They have a clear #1 starter in Logan Webb, and Robbie Ray is under contract for another year. There are some arms that they are developing, but they’ll likely be active in free agency in order to plug their rotation holes.
As one of the top left-handed starters on the market, Valdez fits the bill for San Francisco. He would be a solid #2 option behind Webb, providing some much-needed depth, and playing at Oracle Park is always an attractive proposition for a pitcher.
For a team looking to move from “solid” to “contending,” adding Valdez would go a long way toward strengthening one of the most important areas of their roster.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles as a whole ranked 26th in the majors in ERA in 2025, and only three MLB teams gave up more home runs on the year. Of the five players who pitched more than 100 innings, only one finished with an ERA under 4.19. Despite most of them under contract for 2026, Baltimore is in desperate need of help in their starting rotation.
As a proven, durable left-hander with postseason success, Valdez gives the Orioles the kind of frontline stability they currently lack behind their young arms. While signing him involves draft-pick compensation and a likely expensive multi-year commitment, the Orioles have both the financial flexibility and incentive to make such a move.
Toronto Blue Jays
The World Series runner-up will be returning most of their pitching staff in 2026. Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos are all in place, but the Blue Jays should be looking for a 5th starter in free agency this winter. They have bigger priorities, primarily in negotiations with Bo Bichette, which would likely have to be resolved before Toronto is able to spend money elsewhere.
While signing him would be costly and tied to draft-pick compensation, the Blue Jays are at a point where they must aggressively add impact talent to keep their championship window open. But it may be the kind of move that the team needs to make it over the final hump, while proving to fans that they are going all-in on their opportunity.
