Framber Valdez slipped away and Orioles’ fallback options are nowhere to be found

With Framber Valdez's free-agent market stalling, Mike Elias and Co. had a clear opportunity to land the plane for the Baltimore Orioles' offseason. The Orioles have had an active offseason, and individually, it's hard to fault any of the moves they've made (except the most recent one). Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley represent a level of urgency the team didn't have last offseason, but they approach spring training having yet to address their most pressing need.

The Orioles made it clear that they wanted to add another top-of-the-rotation arm to go next to Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, and that is the main reason why losing out on Valdez stings.

Orioles are faced with questions after failing to sign Framber Valdez

Options remain available for the Orioles to add a starting pitcher, but they all have questions that could prevent a deal from happening.

Zac Gallen

Many will suggest that the Orioles should waste no time in taking Zac Gallen off the market. Easier said than done. Gallen has a qualifying offer attached to his free agency and would require the Orioles to fork over a draft pick and international bonus pool money to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Not to mention, Gallen has an eye on returning to the Diamondbacks.

Reasons are starting to stockpile when it comes to why the Orioles won't be the team to sign Gallen.

Justin Verlander, Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, etc

It would be on brand for the Orioles to sign someone from this group. Let's even throw Jose Quintana into this category as well. Sure, for the most part, these would all be options that, in theory, improve the backend of the Orioles' rotation.

The problem is that it is moving the goalposts. Adding stability at the backend wasn't the stated goal. If it was, bringing Zach Eflin back accomplished that. In their current form, none of these options feel like they would move the needle in terms of making the Orioles a postseason contender.

Trading for a high-end starting pitcher at the trade deadline

If the Orioles don't land a starting pitcher in free agency, the option of trading for one at the trade deadline during the season remains.

It's certainly fun to think about what the Orioles could offer for a pitcher like Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan, but Elias' tenure would suggest that is a level of aggressiveness beyond his reach. If that is the plan, there should be little confidence in Elias to actually see it through.