The Baltimore Orioles aim to improve their starting pitching after missing out on Framber Valdez, who signed a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. As Spring Training begins, the Orioles remain focused on solidifying their rotation to contend in the 2025 season, with free agent options still available.
On February 6, MLB insiders Jesse Rogers and Chelsea Janes discussed the Orioles’ possible moves during an MLB Network segment. Janes highlighted that veteran pitcher Justin Verlander could be a valuable addition to Baltimore’s rotation.
Justin Verlander kind of makes a lot of sense,
Janes said.
I haven’t heard anything concrete there, but a guy who knows what he’s doing and is durable even at his age and can teach young guys—that feels like a really nice fit there.
Verlander, entering his 43-year-old season, may be seeking a one-year deal. Last year with the San Francisco Giants, he initially struggled with an 0-8 record and 4.99 ERA through 16 starts but rebounded to post a 4-3 record with a 2.60 ERA over his final 13 starts. Incorporating Verlander would provide the Orioles with experience and depth beyond their young pitching core.
Currently, the Orioles rely on Shane Baz and Zach Eflin as steady arms, while the rest of the rotation is uncertain. Kyle Bradish will be pitching for a full season for the first time after Tommy John surgery, and Trevor Rogers only advanced from the minors in May last year. Adding a seasoned veteran like Verlander could stabilize Baltimore’s rotation heading into the season.
Shane Baz Seen as a Major Upgrade by the Orioles
The Orioles acquired Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays by trading four prospects, a significant investment for a pitcher who posted a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA last season. Despite the surface-level stats, the team and analysts expect Baz to rise to a frontline starter role.
Jon Meoli, writing in the Baltimore Banner on February 6, emphasized the high hopes placed on Baz as part of Baltimore’s pitching future. He said the offseason moves were intended to erase previous weaknesses and now demand Baz deliver his best performance to elevate the rotation.
This offseason was meant to erase all that and mostly has,
Meoli wrote.
The Orioles traded significant capital to have Baz. As it’s shaping up, they need him to be better than he’s ever been, right now.
If everyone else around him does the same, this is going to be an elite rotation. If you’re not counting on that to be true, you wouldn’t be counting on Baz to be the big upgrade. And it seems as though the Orioles are.
Baz, 26, remains under team control for three years and made 31 starts in 2025, far exceeding his previous work with Tampa Bay. His home performances were affected by the dimensions of Steinbrenner Field, where he had a 5.90 ERA, but the Orioles believe a change of environment and coaching will unlock his full potential as a key part of their rotation.
Impact of Losing Framber Valdez and Next Steps for Baltimore
The Orioles’ inability to secure Framber Valdez significantly alters their rotation outlook. Valdez’s deal with Detroit represents a setback for Baltimore’s pitching plans, as he was linked to the team throughout the offseason as a top free agent starter target. Despite this, Baltimore’s continued pursuit of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander suggests the organization remains proactive in shoring up pitching depth.
As Spring Training advances, Baltimore will closely monitor the development of Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish, alongside the performance of veterans like Zach Eflin. Adding an experienced arm such as Verlander could not only boost the rotation’s quality but also provide mentorship to younger pitchers like Trevor Rogers.
The Orioles face a critical juncture in constructing a rotation that can support their offensive efforts and challenge rival teams in 2025, with pitching depth a top priority following the disappointment of losing Valdez to the Detroit Tigers.
What's next for the Orioles after missing out on Framber Valdez?@JesseRogersESPN and @chelsea_janes break down remaining free agent options. pic.twitter.com/fwkUYJ7FRY
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 7, 2026
