This Framber Valdez fallback plan for the Orioles is one that they should avoid

The Baltimore Orioles are expected to add another starting pitcher before the offseason wraps up, and by most accounts, Framber Valdez is their preferred option. The Orioles nearly traded for Valdez when he was a prospect with the Houston Astros, and the connection to Mike Elias could work in Baltimore's favor. Still, the New York Mets are lingering and could push Valdez's price to an uncomfortable level.

A bidding war with the Mets is something the Orioles will likely avoid, and that could force Elias and Co. to look elsewhere.

The problem that the Orioles find themselves in is that options are dwindling. It's also important to remember that the Orioles aren't just looking for any starting pitcher to add to their rotation; they are looking for someone who can be slotted next to Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.

If it's not Valdez, it seems natural that Baltimore will get floated as an option for Zac Gallen. There was a time when Gallen was a perennial Cy Young candidate in the National League, but that time wasn't 2025. In his final season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gallen posted an ERA of 4.83 in 33 starts.

Zac Gallen would be a costly mistake for the Baltimore Orioles' front office

Gallen's ERA+ (Any number above 100 represents good) has trended in the wrong direction over the last three years — 126, 115, and 89 — and with that has come a decline in his ability to miss bats. Gallen needs some fixing before he can be considered a top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

If Gallen was looking for a buy-low deal with the chance of replenishing his stock, sure, the Orioles should be interested. But that is not the reality of his free agency. Gallen already turned down a qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, so he almost certainly will require a deal that pays him more than $22 million per season. Being a qualifying-offer reject, Gallen will also cost the Orioles additional draft pick compensation and international bonus pool money.

Considering that cost, Baltimore better be receiving a pitcher who is an expected answer and not a project. It's why they might be willing to make those sacrifices for Valdez, but shouldn't for Gallen. If Valdez does go to the Mets (or another team), then circling back to Justin Verlander makes the most sense for the Orioles. Chris Bassitt should also be viewed as a more preferable option than Gallen.

The best option for Gallen might be to return to the Diamondbacks while the Orioles look for a more definitive conclusion to their offseason shopping.