What could've been.
According to sources close to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Baltimore Orioles came close to acquiring a future ace in Major League Baseball in 2017.
Rosenthal and Sammon's report states that the Houston Astros and Orioles had a deal agreed upon that would've sent reliever Zack Britton to Houston. One of the four relatively unknown prospects the Orioles would have acquired was Framber Valdez.
Valdez was a 23-year-old starter in Double-A at the time. However, the trade never went through.
"The Orioles backed out over medical concerns with another pitcher in the deal, right-hander Rogelio Armenteros," wrote Rosenthal and Sammon. "Late owner Peter Angelos was a stickler for clean medicals. Davis and outfielder Jason Martin were the other players slated to go from Houston to Baltimore."
Orioles targeting Valdez in free agency
Obviously, Valdez remained with the Astros, helping them win the 2022 World Series while earning two All-Star selections.
The 32-year-old lefty is a free agent after posting a 3.66 ERA with 187 strikeouts in 192 innings in 2025. Coincidentally, the Orioles are one of the handful of clubs with interest in signing the eight-year veteran.
"[Mike] Elias, the Orioles’ current top executive, was part of the Astros’ front office that tried to trade Valdez to the Orioles," Rosenthal and Sammon added. "Perhaps Elias will bring the matter full circle and deliver Valdez to Baltimore once and for all."
More Orioles news:
- Orioles expected to still add another starter after making $10 million decision
- Long-time Orioles veteran linked to Tigers in MLB free agency
- Orioles' Tyler O'Neill makes big contract decision ahead of free agency
- Orioles trade pitch lands Astros' 2.28 ERA reliever in 'Wild' three-team deal
- Orioles urged to re-sign former AL wins leader despite injury concerns
- Former MLB GM links Orioles to three-time NPB All-Star pitcher