Though we’re only a few weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, there are a handful of talented free agents still available. For one reason or another, there are some players who just haven’t able to generate the type of interest they assumed would be coming their way, and as such, their market value has plummeted.
Such a lull in the free agent market can open doors that were previously closed, and this provides the perfect opportunity for the Baltimore Orioles to pounce. While Mike Elias and his team have done a fantastic job of rebuilding the roster this offseason, there are still a few holes that need to be filled.
Relievers came off the board rather quickly this winter, but there are still plenty of starters who’ve yet to signed, and this is good news for the Orioles, as Baltimore could still use one more starting pitcher in their rotation. Let’s look at three names who’ve seen their market stall, and should be on the Orioles’ shortlist.
3 free agents whose shrinking markets gives the Orioles the upper handFramber Valdez
Ignoring the elephant in the room would be a mistake. Framber Valdez was arguably the best free agent pitcher when the offseason began, and remains that with less than two months until Opening Day. Whether it’s his age, a troublesome 10-game stretch during the second-half of the 2025 season, or the cross-up with his catcher, it is clear that Valdez has not received the type of offers many thought he would get.
The Orioles reportedly remain interested in the left-hander, but at what price? Valdez was assumed to be in line for a deal similar to the seven-year, $210 million contract that Dylan Cease signed, but there’s no way he’s coming close to that type of money now. The O’s have all the leverage at this point, and can afford to low-ball Valdez with a short-term deal.
Aaron Civale
Overlooked in all the talk surrounding Valdez is Aaron Civale. The right-hander was used as both a starter and reliever in 2025 and could occupy that type of hybrid role for the Orioles in 2026. Civale pitched for three organizations last season, but had great success coming out of the Chicago Cubs bullpen.
In five outings for the Cubs that covered 13 innings, Civale struck out 14 batters and posted a 2.08 ERA. Having a player who can add length to both the rotation and the bullpen brings tremendous value to a team. Civale took home just under $10 million last season, and while it was assumed he’d be able to sign a similar contract this offseason, nothing has materialized. A one-year, incentive-laden deal could be the perfect pivot if the O’s prefer to avoid the top of the market.
Zac Gallen
Most of the free agent focus has centered around Valdez, but the Orioles have been drawn to Zac Gallen of late. Gallen is likely regretting his decision to reject the Arizona Diamondbacks qualifying offer, and he may not even be able to find a deal worth the $22 million the QO would’ve given him.
Some MLB experts don’t believe Gallen has reached Nick Pivetta territory yet — Pivetta signed a four-year, $55 million deal with the San Diego Padres last season after rejecting the Boston Red Sox QO — but the O’s should see if they can exploit Gallen’s tepid market and entice him to sign such a deal before spring training gets underway.