For weeks, the top of the free agent starting pitching market has been frozen as the Orioles watched. On Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox reached out and nabbed one of the Orioles’ prime targets, left-hander Ranger Suárez for a reported five years and $130 million without opt outs or deferrals.
Suárez and Framber Valdez, both left-handers, were considered the top two free agent pitchers and the primary targets of the Orioles.
Valdez remains on the market, and at the start of free agency in early November, MLBTradeRumors.com predicted he’d receive five years, $150 million. Their forecast for Suárez was five years, $115 million.
The other top free agent starter still available is right-hander Zac Gallen, whose contract prediction was four years, $80 million.
Other starters still unsigned include Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell as well as veterans Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
With pitchers and catchers set to work out for the first time on February 11th, that still gives the Orioles nearly four weeks to add a key starter in what’s been a very active offseason. The first full squad workout is on February 16th.
The New York Post first reported on the agreement and USA Today reported the contract details.
Note: Outfielder Jhonkensy Noel passed through outright waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk. Noel joins a growing list of minor leaguers who are expected to be invited to spring training.
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