Time is ticking for MLB teams to add to their rosters with spring training beginning next week. All teams will begin their first workouts for pitchers and catchers, including the Baltimore Orioles, early this year, with the World Baseball Classic in March.
Former Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez was the last big-name free agent to sign. After being rumored to be linked to several teams, including Baltimore, Valdez surprised a lot of people by signing with the Detroit Tigers. If gives them a tremendous one-two punch with Tarik Skubal.
This feels like a missed opportunity for the Orioles. They are still in need of a top-of-the-rotation arm. Valdez would have filled that void. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicted where the top remaining free agents will land. He predicted Baltimore would sign a future Hall of Famer.
Baltimore Orioles Predicted To Sign Justin Verlander
The American League East Division is again loaded. Aside from the Tampa Bay Rays, the other four teams have a legit shot at making the playoffs. As far as the Orioles are concerned, if they want to stay in the mix, then they need another starter. Rymer predicted they would sign Justin Verlander.
“Justin Verlander ran out of things to prove a long time ago, so he’s just going for love of the game at this point. And yeah, it helps that he can still pitch,” wrote Rymer. “The 2022 season resembles his last act as an ace, but he fully shrugged off the ‘washed’ accusations with a 2.60 ERA in the second half of last season. He helped himself by becoming less fastball-reliant and by developing a sweeper.”
It is easy to see why some might think he’s ‘washed’ after his 2025 campaign with the San Francisco Giants. He went 4-11 last year in the Bay Area in 29 starts with a 3.85 ERA in 152 innings. His WAR was 1.2, and he struck out 137 and walked 52. After the All-Star break, Verlander had a 2.98 ERA, winning four of his games. He had a 1.96 ERA in his final seven starts for the Giants. He clearly still has something left in the tank at 43 years old.
Baltimore Orioles Can Solidify Rotation With Justin Verlander Addition
Again, the AL East is extremely top-heavy in 2026. The Toronto Blue Jays have had some turnover, but still are the defending division champs. It was an offseason that saw the Boston Red Sox add to their rotation, and the New York Yankees will eventually get healthy with their rotation.
Baltimore added Pete Alonso through free agency, and they traded for Taylor Ward. Their current rotation is penciled in to include Dean Kramer, Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, and Zach Eflin. Verlander would certainly slot in as no worse than a No. 3.
“The best place for Verlander is with a contender that can offer him a No. 3 rotation spot, plus a chance to impart some wisdom on up-and-coming young hurlers. Especially after Framber Valdez chose Detroit, there’s one team that stands out as being way too obvious for Verlander,” wrote Rymer.
Verlander is chasing 300 wins for his career. He’s 34 shy of his milestone, and there are not many places remaining where he would get a shot to add to his total. Baltimore is one spot, and it makes sense for both the club and player.
Orioles Get Encouraging Prediction in Pursuit of Veteran Free Agent Pitcher