The post Orioles have 3 free agent starting pitching targets after missing out on Framper Valdez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Baltimore Orioles added a lot of talent this offseason, including Sean Baz and Zach Eflin to the starting rotation.
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But the Orioles could still use another starter. Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are a great duo in the rotation, but another starter would be a nice upgrade for the Orioles.
Framber Valdez would have been perfect, but as ESPN’s Jesse Rogers pointed out, the Orioles missed out on Valdez to the Detroit Tigers. With the rotation needed and Valdez gone, the Orioles could target three solid options in free agency this winter.
3 SP Orioles could target after missing out on Framber Valdez to Tigers
1. Zach Gallen, RHP
Of the remaining free agent pitchers, there is one clear top choice, Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Zach Gallen.
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The right-hander is 30 years old and coming off a mediocre season by his standards. He started 33 games for the Diamondbacks in 2025 and posted a 4.83 ERA, the worst season of his MLB career.
However, he has a 3.58 ERA in seven seasons in the majors and has been a top-5 Cy Young finalist twice in the last four seasons.
Gallen is the most upside free agent left, and the Orioles should pursue him now that Valdez is off the board.
more: Tigers’ contract details with Franber Valdez create ridiculous record-breaking deal
2. Chris Bassett, RHP
But if the Orioles don’t want to splurge on a starter like Gallen who is sure to land a solid deal, they could turn to Chris Bassett.
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The former Toronto Blue Jays starter will be 37 years old in the upcoming season and would be a nice depth piece in the Orioles rotation if they sign him.
In 2025, he had a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts. During his MLB career, Buster posted a 3.64 ERA in 11 seasons.
While he may not have the ceiling of a Gallen or Valdez, his floor is worth the Orioles’ offseason investment. If they were to sign a starter rather than a top player, Bassett wouldn’t be a bad choice.
more: MLB Hot Stove Tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades heading into 2025 free agency
3. Justin Verlander, RHP
This would be one of the more interesting options the Orioles could consider. Justin Verlander is a future Hall of Famer who will be 43 years old in 2026.
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But he still wants to pitch, and he performed well as a starter last year. He had a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts and was a better pitcher. In his final 13 starts, Verlander posted a 2.60 ERA for the San Francisco Giants.
The MVP, three-time Cy Young and future Hall of Famer is sure to draw interest from around the league, but if Verlander is an option, the Orioles should jump at the chance to sign him.
Not only is this an interesting storyline, but Verlander is still a solid pitcher and would be a great addition to the rotation.
