Orioles and Mets Lead Chase for Free-Agent Lefty Framber Valdez

Framber Valdez is quickly becoming one of the marquee names in MLB free agency, with the 32-year-old left-hander attracting interest from multiple clubs. Among the early frontrunners are the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets, each seeking to bolster their rotations for the 2026 season.

Valdez, who headlines the remaining pitching class following Dylan Cease’s contract signing, brings experience, durability, and a track record of success. His availability has sparked speculation about which team will act first to secure his services.

Connections between the suitors’ front offices and Valdez’s former Houston Astros organization may influence the pace of negotiations. Orioles GM Mike Elias oversaw Valdez during his first four seasons in Houston, while Mets president David Stearns worked with Valdez as the Astros’ assistant GM.

Both franchises see clear value in acquiring Valdez. Baltimore seeks a rotation anchor following the departure of Grayson Rodriguez, while New York wants a veteran left-hander to complement Kodai Senga and a playoff-ready staff.

1. Orioles’ Rotation Needs

Baltimore’s pitching staff took a major hit when Grayson Rodriguez was traded to the Angels in November. The team now relies heavily on Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, leaving a gap at the top of the rotation. Valdez represents an opportunity to stabilize the Orioles’ staff with a proven, durable starter who can set the tone every fifth day. His experience would also provide mentorship to a younger pitching core still finding its footing in the majors. The Orioles’ front office believes that Valdez’s familiarity with GM Mike Elias could facilitate smoother negotiations and help integrate him quickly into the rotation. His presence could immediately elevate the team’s competitiveness in the American League East. Despite some late-season struggles in 2025, including a 6.05 ERA over his final ten starts, the upside of adding Valdez outweighs the risk for Baltimore. The team views him as a key piece in maintaining both stability and potential postseason contention.

2. Mets’ Pitching Ambitions

The New York Mets are also pursuing Valdez to strengthen a rotation already led by Kodai Senga. Team officials see him as a high-floor option capable of providing consistency and veteran leadership behind their ace. New York aims to construct a rotation capable of matching any lineup in a postseason series, and Valdez fits the profile of a reliable, innings-eating arm. His left-handed presence adds strategic depth against divisional rivals and in playoff matchups. Valdez’s familiarity with Mets president David Stearns, who worked with him in Houston, may provide an added advantage in negotiations. Front-office trust could help accelerate discussions and ease contract structuring. While the Mets are aware of Valdez’s late-season struggles and a noted dugout incident following a grand slam, they consider those concerns manageable in light of his career performance. The team prioritizes rotation stability as it eyes playoff contention.

3. Evaluating Risk and Reward

Both the Orioles and Mets are weighing Valdez’s upside against potential risks. His late 2025 struggles and occasional emotional outbursts are on the radar but have not deterred interest from top contenders. The competition for Valdez underscores the scarcity of high-quality free-agent starters in the current market. Teams view him as one of the final top arms available, making timing and decisiveness crucial. Each franchise faces pressure to act quickly while balancing financial commitments, roster construction, and long-term strategy. Valdez’s experience, durability, and ability to influence a rotation make him a prized target despite recent setbacks. Ultimately, the decision may come down to which team is willing to move first and offer a package that matches Valdez’s market value, signaling the final stages of a competitive pursuit.