The Houston Astros have been active in the offseason after a surprising sweep in the American League Wild Card round. Despite trading away three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, the Astros are reportedly unlikely to trade two-time All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez.
According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Astros have informed opposing executives that they plan to keep Valdez. This decision comes after Valdez’s name was mentioned in trade talks during the winter meetings.
Valdez has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last three seasons, with three top-nine Cy Young and two top-20 MVP finishes. He is eligible for arbitration in 2025 and could receive a salary of nearly $18 million. However, there have been no extension talks between the Astros and Valdez, and he is expected to test free agency.
The Astros’ decision to keep Valdez is likely due to his value to the team. By retaining him, the Astros can maintain a strong pitching staff and make another playoff push in 2025. If Valdez does leave in free agency, the Astros would receive a draft pick as compensation, assuming they make a qualifying offer.
