Just when you thought the MLB offseason couldn't get any more dramatic, the Detroit Tigers swooped in and signed Framber Valdez to a staggering three-year, $115 million contract—right on the heels of Tarik Skubal's arbitration hearing. It’s a move that’s left many teams scrambling for a Plan B. But here’s where it gets interesting: this signing could either pave the way for a Skubal trade or signal the Tigers’ all-in commitment to his final year. Either way, it’s a game-changer that forces several teams to rethink their pitching strategies with time ticking away.
Valdez was the last big-name pitcher left in free agency, and despite concerns about his age and personality, he landed the highest average annual value (AAV) ever for a left-handed pitcher. But here’s the part most people miss: his signing has left a trail of teams in need of alternatives. Let’s dive into who’s left holding the bag and where they might turn next.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Backup Plan: Brayan Bello
The Pirates were late to the Valdez party, and now they’re left looking elsewhere. Enter Brayan Bello, a younger, more affordable option with a profile eerily similar to Valdez. Bello’s 2023 season was his best yet, posting a 3.35 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 29 appearances. Sure, there’s some noise under the hood—his expected ERA was 4.48—but his ground-ball dominance and improved cutter usage make him a solid bet. And this is the part most people miss: Bello is under team control through at least 2029 for less than $10 million annually. That’s a steal for a pitcher who could anchor Pittsburgh’s rotation for years.
Toronto Blue Jays
Backup Plan: Kris Bubic
The Blue Jays don’t need more pitching, but adding depth never hurts—especially when it’s a lefty like Kris Bubic. The Royals are pushing for a winning season, so prying Bubic away won’t be easy, but his expiring contract and limited innings history make him a plausible target. Bubic’s 2.55 ERA and 24.4% strikeout rate in 2025 were career bests, and Toronto’s deep pockets could make a long-term deal feasible. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Bubic worth the price tag, or are the Blue Jays better off sticking with their current rotation?
Atlanta Braves
Backup Plan: Chris Bassitt
The Braves’ rotation looks solid on paper, but injuries have been their Achilles’ heel. Chris Bassitt isn’t Valdez, but he’s a reliable workhorse with four straight seasons of 30-plus starts. His 3.96 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 2023 were respectable, and his ability to generate soft contact is a plus. The real question is: can Bassitt provide the stability Atlanta desperately needs, or is he too much of a wildcard?
San Francisco Giants
Backup Plan: Sandy Alcántara
Sandy Alcántara had a rough 2023, but his 174.2 innings post-elbow surgery show promise. The Marlins are shedding talent, so trading Alcántara isn’t out of the question. His $17.3 million expiring contract (with a $21 million option for 2027) is a bargain for a former Cy Young winner. But here’s the catch: can Alcántara regain his elite form, or is he a shadow of his former self? The Giants are gambling on the former, but it’s a risky bet.
San Diego Padres
Backup Plan: Justin Verlander
The Padres are financially strapped, but Justin Verlander offers a low-risk, high-reward option. At 41, he’s not the pitcher he once was, but his 3.85 ERA and 152 innings in 2023 show he’s still got something left in the tank. The controversial take: is signing Verlander a desperate move, or a smart investment in a proven veteran?
Baltimore Orioles
Backup Plan: Zac Gallen
The Orioles whiffed on Valdez, but Zac Gallen could be their consolation prize. Gallen’s 4.83 ERA in 2023 was underwhelming, but his durability and past Cy Young contention make him an intriguing option. The million-dollar question: can a change of scenery reignite Gallen’s career, or is he past his prime?
Now it’s your turn: Which backup plan do you think is the most promising? And which team do you think will regret missing out on Valdez the most? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
