The Blue Jays have already invested heavily in starting pitching this offseason, signing right-hander Dylan Cease and KBO MVP Cody Ponce even before 2026 began. Now, Toronto would have its eye on another star arm in free agency.

Several teams — including the Blue Jays — have shown interest in Dominican left-hander Framber Valdez, the best free agent pitcher still available, MLB Network correspondents Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman reported Tuesday. If Toronto’s interest is real, it could face competition from within its own division: the Orioles, who have been repeatedly linked to Valdez during the offseason.

Valdez, a two-time All-Star, has a career 3.36 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. He has received votes for the American League Cy Young Award in four different seasons, including a fifth place finish in 2022. Although the Blue Jays already boast one of the best rotations in the Major Leagues with Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Ponce, Trey Yesavage and Puerto Rican José Berríos, they apparently have not ruled out adding Valdez as well.