Following the re-signing of J.T. Realmuto, the Philadelphia Phillies appear finished making any more significant roster changes. Team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski publicly said that he's content with where they are regarding adding another top free agent. So why are the Phillies being mentioned as a fit for the top remaining free agent starter Framber Valdez?
Philadelphia considered its starting rotation to be a strength entering the offseason, which is why they weren't a serious contender to re-sign Ranger Suárez. Why would the Phillies let one lefty walk in free agency only to sign another in Valdez, who is looking for a contract similar to Suárez's new five-year, $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox?
Phillies being viewed as a fit for Framber Valdez doesn't make any sense
The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently listed the Phillies as a fit for Valdez (subscription required), along with the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves. Despite not having room for the pitcher in their starting rotation budget, the MLB analyst and former executive believes the Phillies are in play for the 32-year-old starter.
Even if Valdez signs a contract for less than he anticipated at the beginning of the offseason, the Phillies shouldn't be considered a candidate to add the starter. They can't afford to sign free agents to short-term deals with high AAVs, which is why they didn't add Bo Bichette. The front office doesn't include opt-outs in their contracts, putting the franchise at a disadvantage when adding top players who are open to having the clause in their deals.
Philadelphia's rotation is mostly set with Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola locked in as four of their pitchers. Wheeler may not be ready for Opening Day as he works his way back from surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome.
However, the team remains confident that Taijuan Walker and prospect Andrew Painter can make up for Wheeler's possible absence at the beginning of the regular season. The club wants Painter to be one of their starters this year. Adding Valdez would complicate the rotation plans for the rookie.
Valdez is certainly a solid, durable pitcher. He pitched to a 13-11 record, with a 3.66 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, 187 strikeouts, and 68 walks in 31 starts with the Houston Astros in 2025. He'd certainly improve Philadelphia's rotation, but the move would be strange considering the pitching options they already have.
Fans shouldn't read too much into any rumors connecting Valdez with the Phillies. Dombrowski has said that the franchise won't make any more big additions this winter. If they were going to make any more significant signings, adding another starter isn't a high priority for them, especially when they could've re-signed Suárez if they were looking to strengthen their rotation.