Report: Blue Jays checked in on Framber Valdez early in the offseason

"After a hectic last few days of free agency that saw the Toronto Blue Jays fall just short on both star outfielder Kyle Tucker and former Blue Jays fan favourite Bo Bichette, the organization's focus has shifted to finding value elsewhere on the open market. While Toronto has made a flurry of impact moves, including signing All-Star starter Dylan Cease , they still find themselves at a familiar crossroads, one where they have to reassess"

"One name lingering, which in recent weeks has seemingly had a cold market, is Framber Valdez, whose free-agent profile is one any team looking to contend could make room for. As outlined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith , Toronto has already landed high-impact rotation arms in Cease, Shane Bieber, and Cody Ponce, but that does not necessarily close the door to adding another high-end starter if the opportunity presents itself."

"The two-time All-Star's main appeal lies in his consistent run prevention . In 2025, he logged 192 innings with a respectable 3.66 ERA, while continuing his reputation as one of baseball's premier ground-ball pitchers. Since 2022, he has not pitched fewer than 175 innings per season, and his sinker-curveball combination carries a near 60% ground-ball rate in that timeframe. From a roster construction standpoint, the infield is well-equipped to support Valdez's ground-ball tendencies, with Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement projected to work up the middle."

Toronto missed on Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette and shifted focus to finding value elsewhere in free agency. The team added All-Star starter Dylan Cease and also landed Shane Bieber and Cody Ponce, but remains open to acquiring another high-end starter. Framber Valdez declined his qualifying offer from the Houston Astros and remains an established starter in a depleted market. Valdez logged 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA in 2025, has not pitched fewer than 175 innings per season since 2022, and his sinker-curveball mix generates a near 60% ground-ball rate. Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement would help support Valdez's ground-ball tendencies, and pairing Valdez with Cease and Kevin Gausman would form a dominant rotation.

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