The expectation among the fanbase is that the Baltimore Orioles will finish off their offseason by signing one of the remaining free-agent starting pitchers. Either Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez makes the most sense for Baltimore, though Zac Gallen — on a lesser deal — wouldn't be the worst outcome this winter. As it turns out, the Orioles passed on an opportunity to land Valdez years before he became a staple at the top of the Houston Astros' rotation.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon (subscription required) recently reported that the Orioles nearly acquired Valdez in a trade deadline deal with the Houston Astros in 2017.