Valdez Notes: Orioles, Twins, Yankees

"The Orioles had been frequently connected to Valdez throughout the offseason. They'd certainly benefit from adding a top-of-the-rotation arm alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. Baltimore president of baseball operations Mike Elias has ties to Valdez from his days in the Houston front office. Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner and Jon Heyman of The New York Post each suggest that the O's are still in the rotation market and remain engaged on , who is arguably the best unsigned free agent."

"Like Valdez, Gallen rejected a qualifying offer and is tied to draft compensation. Baltimore would forfeit their third-round pick (#82 overall) if they signed him. Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are other possibilities if the O's balk at Gallen's asking price. None of those pitchers would require a draft penalty. The O's have a projected luxury tax number of $189MM, as calculated by RosterResource. That's about $10MM north of where they ended the '25 season."

"The Pirates reportedly made a push this week, while ESPN's Jesse Rogers reports that the Twins were also involved. Minnesota also reportedly jumped into the mix on Freddy Peralta before the Brewers traded him to the Mets. It's not known if they were ever serious threats to land each pitcher or simply doing their diligence on available impact arms. A Valdez signing would have been a shock."

Framber Valdez agreed to a three-year, $115MM contract with Detroit to join Tarik Skubal atop the Tigers' rotation. The Baltimore Orioles were frequently linked to Valdez and would benefit from another front-end starter alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. Zac Gallen rejected a qualifying offer and carries draft-compensation implications that would cost Baltimore their third-round pick if signed. Alternative targets include Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer, none of whom would trigger draft penalties. The O's projected luxury-tax figure is about $189MM, roughly $10MM above their 2025 year-end total. Other clubs, including the Pirates and Twins, showed interest in available impact arms.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors