Blue Jays predicted by MLB execs to sign 3.66 ERA AL West ace in free agency

Blue Jays predicted by MLB execs to sign 3.66 ERA AL West ace in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays are likely to be one of the more aggressive teams in free agency and the trade market this winter. After a World Series trip came up just one win short, the Blue Jays have all the reasons to spend big this offseason.

And fortunately for fans, that's looking like it will be the case. Whether it's big deals for Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker, Toronto is likely to spend big this winter. But one of the more underrated needs is in the rotation.

But for MLB executives in a piece from Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the Blue Jays are the favorites for one lefty ace in free agency. With Toronto likely to spend, MLB execs predict that Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez will sign with the Blue Jays this winter.

Blue Jays predicted by MLB execs to sign ex-Astros ace Framber Valdez

Rogers shared that of the 16 MLB execs he polled, the Blue Jays finished with five votes, while the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles finished with four votes each as the most-likely teams to sign Valdez this offseason.

"I could see the Blue Jays adding a lefty like Valdez," said one executive, according to Rogers, "He fills a need and might send them back to October baseball."

Toronto was able to bring back Shane Bieber on a very team-friendly one-year deal after he opted into his contract, which could help open the door to a big signing for the rotation like Valdez.

While a starting pitcher might not be the most apparent need, as seen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, having too many starters isn't an issue.

More: Blue Jays predicted to make blockbuster trade for $185 million two-time Cy Young, five-time All-Star who would replace Kevin Gausman as ace

Valdez is 32 years old and coming off a season with a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts. While it might be a down season by his standards, Valdez is still a high-quality starter who could bolster the Blue Jays' already strong rotation for 2026.

The two-time All-Star starter has been a great starter for Houston in his career, and he's also shown the ability to be elite in the postseason, posting a 1.44 ERA during the Astros' 2022 World Series run.

Adding Valdez, a veteran starter who has deep playoff experience and a history of success in the regular season, would be a huge boon for Toronto. MLB execs predict the Blue Jays as the most likely team to sign Valdez, making his free agency one to watch for Blue Jays fans.

More Blue Jays News:

• Blue Jays lock in Shane Bieber as rotation anchor for 2026

• Numbers say Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk was ripped off in Gold Glove voting

• Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. decision has ESPN insider giving himself an 'F-' grade

• MLB insider reports Blue Jays 'salivating' at chance to sign All-Star 3.20 ERA starter

• Blue Jays' Kyle Tucker vs. Bo Bichette free agent decision revealed by MLB insider

• Blue Jays predicted to land $460 million four-time All-Star after missing out on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto in past offseasons