Rays' rivals are still among favorites for top free agent arm

A lot has gone the Rays way this offseason as they continue to pray that top-of-the-line free agents don't find their way into the AL East. So far, so good. Alex Bregman has signed with the Cubs. Kyle Tucker is a Los Angeles Dodger. Bo Bichette will play in New York next year... with the Mets. Yes, there were a few that slipped through the cracks. Pete Alonso (Orioles), Ranger Suarez (Red Sox), and Dylan Cease (Blue Jays) will also represent the AL East in 2026, but it could've been much, much worse. Now, the newest free agent at the top of everyone's list will likely make a decision in the near future and Rays' fans are hoping their luck doesn't run out.

Blue Jays and Orioles have shown interest in ace left-handed starter Framber Valdez

Framber Valdez has been a force atop the Astros rotation, collecting Cy Young votes in all, but two seasons since the shortened 2020 season. Valdez has also appeared in two All-Star games including an incredible 2022 run that saw the lefty finish fifth in AL Cy Young voting and collect his first World Series trophy. Despite the dominance from Justin Verlander that season, the Dominican hurler deserved a little more respect as he led the league in essential categories such as batters faced (827), complete games (3), and innings pitched (201.1). Valdez is a workhorse and you know exactly what you're going to get from him. He may not stand out from the group in terms of talent, but the consistent stats year in and year out should allow him to receive a hefty contract this offseason. We just hope he doesn't find himself in the AL East.

The primary reason to loathe the idea of possibly facing Framber Valdez three times next year is the elite level that he performs at against Tampa Bay hitters. Other than a fluky 2022 campaign where the Rays hit a ridiculous .360 off the lefty, he has completely shut them down. In two starts since 2023, Tampa has collected just six hits, two runs, and struck out 18 times against Valdez. The team on-base percentage also remained south of .200 in both seasons alluding to the pure dominance when he takes the mound against the Rays. Framber, if you're reading this, please find a new home outside the AL East.