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By Patrick McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays already got some good news for their starting rotation.
Shane Bieber seemed likely to turn down his option and head to the open market after impressing down the stretch and into the playoffs for Toronto. The Blue Jays are fortunate to have him but they could use another high-end starter with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer free agents.
In response, USA Today Sports insider Bob Nightengale predicted that the Blue Jays will end up signing Houston Astros All-Star Framber Valdez.
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"Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros: Nightengale: Blue Jays, (Gabe Lacques): Giants, (Jesse Yomtov): Orioles."
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If the Blue Jays could swing a deal like this, it would be the type of signing that would move the needle. Valdez is 31 years old and has a 3.36 career ERA in 188 total big league appearances. In 2025, Valdez logged a 3.66 ERA in 31 games. That's solid, but doesn't fully show the type of impactful hurler he can be. In 2024, for example, Valdez pitched to a 2.91 ERA and 169-to-55 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 176 1/3 innings pitched.
If the Blue Jays could get that type of guy, there's no reason to believe they couldn't make another deep run in 2026. A deal surely would be expensive, but Toronto has proven over the last few years that it isn't afraid to pursue the top names in free agency.
More MLB: Blue Jays Lose Former All-Star After Brief Stint: Report
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