Could the Baltimore Orioles finally be on the verge of landing the pitcher they once nearly traded for? It’s a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and the high-stakes world of MLB trades. The Orioles’ fanbase is buzzing with anticipation as the team appears poised to cap off their offseason by signing one of the remaining free-agent starting pitchers. Among the names circulating, 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 disastrous 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 came tantalizingly close to 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 apart at the last minute due to injury concerns surrounding another prospect in the trade. Britton was eventually shipped off to the New York Yankees a year later—a move 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 deal have ever materialized? Might the Orioles have been in a prime position to extend Valdez’s contract? It’s a fascinating 'what-if' scenario that underscores the ripple effects of a single trade decision.
Now, as the Orioles circle back to Valdez this offseason, there’s no denying he comes with a degree of risk. At 32, Valdez had a tumultuous final season in Houston, openly criticizing his coaching staff and even appearing to undermine his own catcher on the field. And this is where it gets controversial: Is Valdez’s behavior a red flag, or simply the mark of a passionate competitor? Teams will have to weigh his undeniable talent against the potential locker room distractions.
The Orioles are widely viewed as the frontrunners to sign Valdez, thanks in part to their deep-rooted connection to the Astros organization—Mike Elias, the Orioles’ GM, was once a key figure in Houston. Plus, Baltimore conducted extensive research on Valdez back in 2017, giving them a leg up in understanding his value. Meanwhile, the New York Mets have also been lurking in the background, adding another layer of intrigue to the negotiations.
As the offseason winds down, an Orioles-Valdez partnership remains the most desirable outcome for both sides. But the question lingers: Can the Orioles finally land the pitcher they once let slip away? And more importantly, is Valdez worth the gamble? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this move would be a slam dunk for Baltimore, or are they setting themselves up for potential headaches? The debate is open!
