Astros' Framber Valdez expected to land $100-plus million in MLB free agency
Context:
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros is expected to enter free agency this winter with a potential contract exceeding $100 million. The Astros have a history of not retaining star players, as seen with past trades and signings, and their current standing in the American League West suggests they are not strong contenders for the World Series. Valdez, despite being 32 years old next season, is drawing interest due to his increased pitching velocity, durability, and postseason experience. His performance this season has seen a higher ERA, yet his ability to limit home runs and maintain a high number of innings pitched makes him an attractive option for teams. Valdez's physique might not suggest longevity, but his skills and experience are significant assets in today's baseball market.
Dive Deeper:
The Houston Astros are likely to let Framber Valdez leave in free agency, a pattern consistent with their recent handling of top players like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman.
Valdez is expected to secure a lucrative deal over $100 million, driven by his enhanced pitching speed and consistent performance, despite the Astros' lackluster season and standing in the American League West.
Although Valdez's ERA this season is 4.39, higher than his career average, his ability to pitch numerous innings and limit walks and home runs makes him a valuable asset.
At 5-foot-11 and 232 pounds, Valdez's physical build is not typically associated with longevity in baseball, yet his postseason experience and ability to maintain performance make him a desirable signing.
The Astros' anticipated decision to part with Valdez reflects their broader strategy of not committing long-term to star players, suggesting a prioritization of financial flexibility over immediate championship aspirations.
It seems all but guaranteed that the Houston Astros will allow Framber Valdez to walk in free agency this winter. After trading away Kyle Tucker, letting Alex Bregman sign with the Boston Red Sox, and many other scenarios in recent years, the Astros haven't exactly shown the willingness to keep stars around.
If the plan is to allow Valdez to walk, there isn't much of a reason for the Astros to keep him around at the trade deadline.
The reality of this unfortunate situation is that the Astros likely aren't good enough to win a World Series, and their third-place showing in the blow average American League West only confirms that.
For Valdez, however, he can't worry too much about where he's pitching, as he's ready to land a massive deal in free agency this winter. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, that deal will likely be over $100 million, adding that he's throwing the baseball harder than ever.
“He's throwing harder than ever, which is the sort of thing that helps convince teams to invest in a starting pitcher who will be 32 next Opening Day. Listed at 5-foot-11, 232 pounds, Valdez doesn't have the sort of body that tends to age well, but he throws lots of innings, doesn't walk hitters, wields plenty of postseason experience and limits home runs. That is an exciting group of attributes, even if sinkerballers aren't the sexiest signings in today's strikeout-focused game,” he wrote.
Valdez has had a few injury scares throughout his career, but has managed to stay on the mound for much of it, throwing in at least 176.1 innings in each of the past three seasons.
With seven starts under his belt during the 2025 campaign, he owns a 4.39 ERA, far higher than any other number he's posted throughout his career.