The Baltimore Orioles are one of the offseason's biggest spenders so far. Their addition of Taylor Ward was a big one, and they've also gone out and added Ryan Helsley to be their new closer.
But the biggest deal was their $155 million investment in Pete Alonso. It's a huge contract, and while adding his pop to the lineup is great, it has an impact on the rest of the roster's construction.
ESPN's David Schoenfield predicted that Baltimore would pass up on the chance to sign ex-Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, instead eyeing cheaper options in free agency, thanks in part to the $155 million Alonso investment.
Orioles predicted to pass on ex-Astros ace for cheaper SP options
"Singing Alonso shouldn't prevent the Orioles from going after one of the top remaining starting pitchers." Schoenfield writes. "The payroll is $22 million below 2025's $160 million. Is that enough to sign Valdez? A more likely option might be a starter just outside the top 10 free agents, such as Ranger Suarez or Michael King."
While the Orioles are still predicted to go after one of the top remaining starting pitchers on the market, the top choice, Framber Valdez, might not be within the Orioles' expected available payroll.
That isn't to say the Orioles shouldn't at least try to sign Valdez. He would be a great addition to the rotation. But, with his contract likely surpassing what the Orioles have to offer, it might be a long shot that Baltimore could land Valdez.
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Schoenfield predicted that the Chicago Cubs would be the team to sign Valdez, leaving the Orioles a few other options. Ranger Suarez and Michael King would then be the best choices for the Orioles, and both would be a lot cheaper.
Suarez is a soft-throwing lefty who's been incredible in the postseason, while King is a right-handed starter who's shown promise, but is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Both have their issues, leading to their cheaper price points, but they would be incredible pickups for the Orioles this offseason. Valdez is the safest option, with his eight-years of starting experience and solid 3.36 career ERA.
But, with Valdez predicted by Schoenfield to land a contract of $168 million over six years, well above the $22 million total to match the 2025 payroll, the Orioles are predicted to look elsewhere this winter.
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