Orioles pursuit of Framber Valdez ignores veteran arm who's a better clubhouse fit

Framber Valdez was arguably the best starting pitcher on the free agent market when the offseason began, but with spring training now just weeks away, the former Houston Astros ace is still without job. Many within in the industry attribute the lack of interest in Valdez to his wayward actions toward his battery mate Cesar Salazar during a game last September.

By now, most fans are aware of the "cross-up" between Valdez and Salazar that had a litany of former players calling out the pitcher's selfish behavior. One has to wonder if those antics have even led the Orioles to rethink their pursuit of Valdez.

New Orioles manager Craig Albernaz has stressed team chemistry and hopes to create a winning culture in Baltimore. Though Valdez's talents may be far superior to any other free agent pitcher on the open market, it's fair to question his fit inside the clubhouse. Free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez, however, presents the O's with an alternative, and there may not be a better fit in terms of leadership and clubhouse vibes.

Nick Martinez presents the Orioles with an alternative to Framber Valdez

Martinez spent the past two seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds — both as a starter and reliever. In total, Martinez logged 308 innings of work over 82 appearances, including 42 starts and posted a respectable 3.83 ERA, 3.81 FIP, and 117 ERA+. During that same two-year stretch, Valdez has made 59 starts with a 3.30 ERA, 3.31 FIP, and 125 ERA+.

Martinez's versatility is his greatest strength and could be quite the asset for the Orioles. With the acquisition of Shane Baz, the ascension of Trevor Rogers, and Kyle Bradish expected to be full-go in 2026, some fans can easily make the case that Baltimore's rotation is already formidable. Adding a veteran like Martinez could solidify the backend, and, if need be, bring stability to the bullpen as the season wanes.

Martinez would also come at a much more manageable price for an organization that may want to maintain their long-term financial resources in order to extend some of their young talent. While Valdez is said to be seeking a five-year deal worth at least $30 million per season, the O's could probably lock up Martinez for two years at $30 million flat.

After the New York Mets — who were the only other team consistently connected to Valdez this offseason — acquired Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, it was assumed that the Orioles would quickly strike a deal with free agent lefty. But that has yet to happen, and it's beginning to look like Baltimore is reevaluating their position.