Orioles expected to waive former Astros ace in exchange for cheaper rotation option originally appeared on The Sporting News Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Baltimore Orioles are one of the biggest spending teams so far this offseason. They brought in Tyler Ward which was a big deal and they also hired Ryan Helsley as their new closer.
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But the biggest deal was their $155 million investment in Pete Alonso. It’s a huge contract, and while it’s great to add his popularity to the lineup, it has an impact on the construction of other players on the roster.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicts Baltimore will pass up the chance to sign former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez and instead focus on cheaper free agent options, thanks in part to Alonso’s $155 million investment.
Orioles expected to waive former Astros ace for cheaper SP option
“Alonso’s singing shouldn’t stop the Orioles from pursuing one of the top remaining starting pitchers,” Schoenfeld wrote. “The salary is $22 million lower than the $160 million in 2025. Is that enough to sign Valdez? A more likely option might be a starter outside the top 10 free agents, such as Rangers Suarez or Michael King.”
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While the Orioles are still expected to pursue one of the top remaining starting pitchers on the market, top pick Franber Valdez may not be on the Orioles’ expected available payroll.
That’s not to say the Orioles shouldn’t at least try to sign Valdez. He will be a great addition to the rotation. However, with his contract likely to exceed what the Orioles are offering, Baltimore’s chances of acquiring Valdez may be slim.
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Schoenfeld predicted the Chicago Cubs would be the team to sign Valdez, leaving the Orioles with a few other options. Then Rangers Suarez and Michael King would be the Orioles’ best options, and both would be significantly cheaper.
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Suarez is a soft-throwing lefty who had an incredible postseason performance, while King is a right-handed starter who has shown promise but is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Both have their own issues that lead to the cheaper price, but they would be incredible options for the Orioles this offseason. Valdez is the safest option, with eight years of starting experience and a solid 3.36 career ERA.
But with Schoenfeld projecting Valdez will get a contract worth $168 million over six years, well above his 2025 payroll of $22 million, the Orioles are expected to look elsewhere this winter.
