With spring training just around the corner, the MLB world is buzzing with anticipation—but one name remains conspicuously unsigned: Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old lefty, once a prized free agent, is now the last big fish left in the pond, and his situation is raising eyebrows. Despite his impressive postseason experience and a track record of durability, Valdez’s market has stagnated. So, what’s going on? And more importantly, what can teams like the Orioles, Braves, and others do to avoid him entirely?
But here’s where it gets controversial... Valdez entered the offseason seeking a nine-figure deal over six or seven years, a demand that now seems wildly unrealistic. Age is an obvious concern—signing him into his late 30s could be a recipe for disaster. While he’s a proven workhorse, sinkerballers with declining velocity often face a steep decline. Valdez’s exceptional groundball rate helps mitigate hard contact, but if his command falters even slightly, things could unravel fast. Is his age-related risk worth the gamble? Or are teams justified in looking elsewhere?
And this is the part most people miss: Valdez’s off-field baggage might be just as concerning. In September, he appeared to intentionally cross up his catcher after waving off a pitch call, resulting in a grand slam. His refusal to offer a meaningful apology didn’t help his reputation. Does this incident reveal a deeper issue with Valdez’s clubhouse presence? Or is it being blown out of proportion?
With Valdez’s market cooling, some teams might opt for trades instead. Here’s how they could pivot:
San Diego Padres: Target Kodai Senga
The Padres need rotation help but are hamstrung by financial disputes. Trading for Mets righty Kodai Senga could be a smarter move. Senga, under team control for two more years with a 2028 option, boasts a devastating ghost fork that sits 12+ MPH below his fastball. While health concerns linger—he missed most of '24 and '25—his 3.02 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 113.1 innings are hard to ignore. Is Senga a risky bet, or a high-reward ace in the making?
Atlanta Braves: Pursue Brady Singer
The Braves need rotation stability after years of injuries. Brady Singer, 29, offers reliability with four straight 150+ inning seasons. His sinker-slider mix won’t wow statistically, but his 4.03 ERA and 1.24 WHIP make him a solid fourth or fifth starter. Is Singer the steady hand Atlanta needs, or are they settling for mediocrity?
Philadelphia Phillies: Acquire Sandy Alcántara
With Zack Wheeler sidelined, the Phillies could target Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara. A former Cy Young winner, Alcántara’s $17.3 million salary in 2026 is manageable, and his high-90s sinker could thrive in Philadelphia. However, his return from Tommy John surgery was rocky, with a 5.36 ERA last season. Can the Phillies revive Alcántara’s career, or is he a risky investment?
San Francisco Giants: Trade for Brayan Bello
The Giants, wary of Valdez’s price tag, could target Red Sox righty Brayan Bello. At 26, Bello is locked up through 2029 with a reasonable cap hit. His 3.35 ERA and 1.24 WHIP last season make him an attractive, cost-effective option. Is Bello the Giants’ sleeper ace, or does he lack the star power they need?
Baltimore Orioles: Go After Joe Ryan
The Orioles need a proven ace, and Joe Ryan fits the bill. With a $6.1 million cap hit and a 3.42 ERA last season, Ryan’s precision and deception make him a standout. Is Ryan the missing piece for Baltimore, or is his price tag too high for a rental?
New York Yankees: Consider Kris Bubic
The Yankees, facing rotation injuries, could target Kris Bubic. The lefty thrived as a starter last season with a 2.55 ERA, but durability is a concern. Is Bubic a better long-term bet than Valdez, or is his injury history too risky?
The Bigger Question: Is Framber Valdez Worth the Risk?
As teams weigh their options, the debate over Valdez rages on. Is his baggage and age too much to overlook, or is he a diamond in the rough? What do you think? Is Valdez still a top-tier option, or should teams steer clear? Let the discussion begin in the comments!
