The Baltimore Orioles are pursuing starting pitching in MLB free agency as the rotation lacks depth. Baltimore has Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish as its one-two punch, but there aren’t many other established starters. However, the Orioles have been in pursuit of elite starting pitchers, and one might be more likely than others.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Orioles are one of the favorites to sign Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez this offseason. Valdez is one of the older elite starting pitchers on the market, but he has ties to Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias.
Elias was in Houston’s front office during Valdez’s first four years in the organization before moving to Baltimore. The left-handed pitcher would be an excellent option for the Orioles despite having a down year with a 3.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
The expectations for Valdez are very high, so anything less than a Cy Young-caliber season is a disappointment. Still, the 32-year-old pitcher has shown that he is capable of being a team’s ace. The Orioles are in desperate need of pitching, and Valdez could be the guy.
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