"That includes Framber Valdez, the most prominent name still available, who's watched Dylan Cease (Blue Jays), Ranger Suárez (Red Sox), Michael King (Padres) and Japan's Tatsuya Imai (Astros) all find homes while the search for his drags on. But he isn't the only impact starter still on the board, as Zac Gallen - who's also tied to a qualifying offer - continues to search for his next contract, too."
"The starting pitching market also still includes several intriguing veterans, with Chris Bassitt presenting arguably the most upside amongst the remaining crop, especially given his proven versatility as a reliever (1.04 ERA and 1.52 FIP in seven relief appearances last post-season). On the position-player side, all that remains are complementary hitters - most of whom are either above 30 or creeping up on that performance-declining threshold - now that the top-end talent is gone."
"Baltimore's staff, which now includes off-season acquisition Shane Baz along with Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin, still desires a front-line presence - a void Valdez could certainly address. Such a move would catapult them from a strong bounce-back contender into a legitimate AL threat alongside Toronto in the East. This late into the winter, between Valdez's lucrative demands and the character concerns associated with him, the 32-year-old southpaw might be best served accepting a short-term, high-AA"
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training in less than two weeks while a handful of notable free agents remain unsigned. Framber Valdez stands out as the most prominent available starter, with Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Tatsuya Imai already signed elsewhere. Zac Gallen remains on the market and is tied to a qualifying offer. The starting-pitching residue includes veterans such as Chris Bassitt, whose recent relief success highlights his versatility. Position-player options are mostly complementary, older hitters, though players like Eugenio Suárez could still bolster middle-of-order needs. Baltimore represents a logical fit for a front-line starter like Valdez, but Valdez's market is complicated by lucrative demands and character concerns.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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