Overview
- The left-handed starter ranks near the top of this offseason’s market after five straight seasons with ERAs between 2.82 and 3.66.
- He is one of five pitchers to log 900-plus innings since 2020 and he led MLB in ground-ball rate in 2024 before ranking third in 2025.
- Contract projections diverge sharply, from five years and $150 million per MLB Trade Rumors to seven years and $196 million per The Athletic.
- Newsweek cites a Bleacher Report prediction of a six-year, $200 million deal with the Orioles, which reflects speculation rather than a reported offer.
- Fit discussions mention the Blue Jays and Cubs given his ground-ball profile, while his upcoming age-32 season and No. 2–starter evaluation may shape term and price; a September cross-up with catcher César Salazar drew an apology from Valdez.