Mets offseason pivot just created the perfect opening for the Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have enjoyed a successful offseason thus far, but one thing is missing. The Orioles have addressed the lineup (Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso), the bullpen (Ryan Helsley), and the backend of the rotation (Shane Baz). But Baltimore has yet to add a frontline starter to pair with Trevor Rogers atop the rotation.

But the New York Mets may have just gift-wrapped one of the top pitchers available this offseason after pivoting from the free agent market and turning their attention to a trade. According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic (subscription required), the Mets hold some interest in the top remaining free-agent starters, but their focus is on first exploring trades.

If New York is out of the picture — at least for now — the Orioles have a clear runway to sign either former Houston Astros All-Star Framber Valdez or longtime Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suarez. The O's have been linked to both left-handers since the offseason began.

Mets' change in philosophy makes the Orioles the top suitor for both Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez

Valdez is widely viewed by many to be the best starting pitcher remaining on the free agent market. He went 13-11 in 31 starts for the Astros last season and posted a 3.66 ERA while striking out 187 batters over 192 innings of work. Suarez had an equally impressive season in 2025 with a 12-8 record and 3.20 ERA over 157⅓ innings pitched. Suarez started 26 games for the Phillies and struck out 151 batters.

The decision really comes down to a matter of preference. Both are ground ball pitchers, but Valdez has much more heater on his fastball. Suarez is a soft-tossing lefty who relies on weak contact and does a fine job of keeping the bases clear of free runners. Valdez is two years older, and both pitchers are expected to sign a multi-year deal worth upwards of $30 million per season.

The one thing the O's must be cautious of is bidding against themselves. If the Mets were their primary competition, Baltimore has little reason to up the ante to lure Valdez or Suarez to sign on the dotted line. There's a chance the Chicago Cubs could have interest in Valdez, but that seems unlikely. At the moment, the O's have their choice, and it's about time they finally make a decision.