Could the Baltimore Orioles finally be on the verge of landing the pitcher they once tried to trade for? It’s a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and a dash of controversy. The Orioles’ fanbase is buzzing with anticipation that the team will cap off their offseason by signing one of the remaining free-agent starting pitchers. Among the names floating around, Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez stand out as the most logical fits for Baltimore, though Zac Gallen—on a more modest deal—wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. But here’s where it gets intriguing: the Orioles actually had a shot at Valdez years ago, long before he became a cornerstone of the Houston Astros’ rotation.
According to a recent report by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Orioles were on the cusp of acquiring Valdez in a 2017 trade deadline deal with the Astros. The proposed trade would have sent All-Star closer Zach Britton to Houston in exchange for a package of prospects, including Valdez. But this is the part most people miss: the deal fell through when the Orioles raised concerns about an injury to another prospect included in the trade. Fast forward a year, and Britton was shipped off to the New York Yankees in a deal that, in hindsight, hasn’t exactly stood the test of time.
Imagine, for a moment, an alternate reality where the Orioles had pulled the trigger on that Valdez trade. Would the Corbin Burnes trade have ever happened? Might the Orioles have been in a prime position to extend Valdez’s contract? It’s a fascinating 'what-if' scenario that highlights just how much one decision can ripple through a franchise’s future.
Now, as the Orioles once again find themselves linked to Valdez, it’s worth noting that signing him wouldn’t be without its risks. At 32, Valdez had a tumultuous final season in Houston, openly criticizing his coaching staff and even appearing to intentionally cross up his own catcher to express his frustration. And this is where it gets controversial: Is Valdez’s talent worth the potential locker room drama? Or is his behavior a red flag that teams should steer clear of?
The Orioles are widely viewed as the frontrunners to land Valdez, thanks in part to their extensive research on him back in 2017 and the fact that their GM, Mike Elias, has ties to the Astros organization. The New York Mets have also been lurking in the background, but as the offseason winds down, an Orioles-Valdez partnership remains the most likely—and perhaps most poetic—outcome.
But here’s the question we’re left with: Would signing Valdez be a redemption story for the Orioles, or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one offseason move that’s sure to spark debate.
