How will Framber's other suitors react to his surprise move?

In light of the surprising news of Framber Valdez agreeing to a three-year deal with the Tigers, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to break down what the impact this has on the few remaining free agents, as well as the rest of the American League.

1) The Tigers weren’t really connected to Valdez this winter, so this move definitely caught people by surprise. Do you get the sense that any other suitors were close to reaching a deal with the lefty?

Last week, I identified the Tigers as one of the teams that made the most sense for Valdez, so I can’t say I’m shocked that Detroit signed him. What was surprising was the timing; a decision on Tarik Skubal’s arbitration hearing is likely to come down on Thursday, which will determine whether Skubal earns $19 million or $32 million this season. Valdez will slot in between Skubal and Jack Flaherty in Detroit’s 2026 rotation, and in the event that Skubal is traded during the season or leaves as a free agent next winter, Valdez -- who played for manager A.J. Hinch during his first two seasons in the Majors -- can step up as the Tigers’ new ace.

As for other suitors, I don’t get the sense that any other club was particularly close to signing Valdez. The 32-year-old has been seeking a long-term deal of five-plus years this offseason, but with Spring Training set to open next week, he ultimately went the same route as Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, taking a shorter-term deal with a higher average annual value. His $38.33 million AAV is the highest in history for a left-hander.

2) There are still a number of mid-rotation starters available, such as Chris Bassitt, Walker Buehler, Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, Nick Martinez, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Should we now expect these guys to sign in quick succession, and if so, who do you think will be next?

Gallen has been the consensus No. 2 starter left on the market behind Valdez, so it would make sense for him to be next. Like Valdez, Gallen rejected a qualifying offer, which could be complicating his market, especially if he’s willing to sign a short-term deal like Valdez did. Bassitt would also be a logical candidate to sign next, as he’s turning 37 this month and likely willing to sign a one-year deal. Given that camps open soon, I expect to see many of these guys coming off the board in the next few days, though one or two could wait to see if a team suffers an injury to its rotation this spring. Then there’s Scherzer (and possibly Verlander), who might wait until the middle of the season to sign with a contender.

3) The Orioles were a team that was heavily linked to Valdez. Are they now likely to sign one of the above names? And if so, who will they target?

Gallen makes the most sense for Baltimore, which is still in need of a frontline starter to slot at or near the top of the rotation. Having added Shane Baz to a group that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Tyler Wells, Cade Povich and Brandon Young, the Orioles have plenty of rotation depth, so unless they’re going to sign an impact starter -- and Gallen is pretty much the only one left in free agency -- I’m not sure it makes much sense for them to sign another mid-rotation starter.

4) The Pirates are another team that has suddenly been linked to a number of free agents, such as Eugenio Suárez and Valdez. Do you think they will make a move?

The Pirates have been active in free agency this offseason, all the way back to their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber. Pittsburgh has had a successful offseason, adding Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe and Gregory Soto, and while they were linked to Valdez, the rotation is one of the club’s strengths. There isn’t necessarily a need for the Pirates to add a starter, but if there’s a deal to be had, it seems that Pittsburgh is still willing to spend in free agency.