Framber Valdez, the talented left-handed pitcher and two-time All-Star, finds himself in an unusual position as spring training approaches. Despite being projected as the top free-agent pitcher this offseason, Valdez remains without a team, raising eyebrows across the league as the first week of February arrives.
At 32 years old, Valdez boasts an impressive record, averaging 30 starts per year over the last four seasons and garnering Cy Young votes in three of those years. Given his track record, many anticipated that he would secure a lucrative contract, particularly following an exceptional season. However, three months have passed with no offers, leading to speculation about potential reasons for his prolonged unemployment. Teams may be hesitant due to concerns regarding the strain on his arm after pitching 809 innings in the past four seasons or subsequent questions about his behavior on the mound, including an incident last September where he unintentionally struck his catcher with a fastball out of frustration.
Even amidst these uncertainties, Valdez is still viewed as the most desirable player left on the market. In this climate, various scouts, executives, and agents weigh in on the top contenders likely to pursue his services.
The Baltimore Orioles are considered the frontrunners, bolstering their rotation with Valdez could significantly enhance their chances of contending in the AL East. With a roster already including Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Zach Eflin, Valdez would give them a competitive edge.
Hot on their heels are the Toronto Blue Jays, who have made substantial investments this offseason and would benefit immensely from adding Valdez to their already impressive lineup featuring newly signed Dylan Cease. Their willingness to spend big raises the stakes in the chase for Valdez.
Additionally, the San Diego Padres are a potential wild card, facing financial limitations yet rumored to consider creative avenues for acquiring Valdez, especially if they can work around Yu Darvish’s contract. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs also represent an intriguing option, having made significant signings this winter that could lead them to fortify their pitching staff even further.
Finally, the Milwaukee Brewers remain in the conversation. Though they’ve had a quiet offseason, there is speculation that signing Valdez could reinvigorate the fan base particularly after parting ways with Freddy Peralta, and it could signal a shift in their approach to team-building.
As the clock ticks down to spring training, the landscape of Valdez’s free agency continues to evolve. It remains to be seen where his next contract will come from, but the possibilities seem promising as teams seek to capitalize on his talents. This could very well be a transformative offseason for Valdez and the franchise that eventually secures his services.