MLB Free Agency: Where Will Star Pitcher Framber Valdez Sign?
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As the MLB offseason heats up, one of the most intriguing questions revolves around the future of Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez. Coming off a strong career with Houston, Valdez is now a highly sought-after free agent, and a recent roundtable discussion with CBS Sports MLB experts has revealed a diverse range of potential landing spots. The Astros themselves have already made a move, acquiring Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai on Thursday, perhaps signaling a shift in their pitching priorities.
The Baltimore Orioles have been frequently mentioned as a potential suitor,despite already bolstering their rotation with Zach Eflin and Shane Baz. Some analysts suggest they “should stop” adding to their rotation despite already acquiring Zach Eflin and Shane Baz. Adding Valdez would not only raise the ceiling of their pitching staff but also create trade flexibility, allowing them to potentially leverage an existing starter like Dean Kremer or Cade Povich to address other areas of need.
The Chicago Cubs also emerged as a strong possibility. Despite reaching the playoffs in 2023, the Cubs remain a team looking to establish themselves as a consistent contender.One analyst noted the team’s success with left-handed pitchers at Wrigley Field, and highlighted a rotation currently comprised of Matthew Boyd, cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea, with Justin Steele expected to return from Tommy john surgery. However, the Cubs’ ownership has been hesitant to fully commit to aggressive spending, leading one expert to predict the San Francisco Giants as a more likely destination.
“I’ll say the Giants sign Valdez,” one analyst stated. “I know they are reluctant to sign a pitcher long-term, but it looks like every suitor on Valdez is the same way, meaning the market could come back to Buster Posey hear.”
The Mets and Cubs: Compelling Fits with Caveats
The New York Mets were also identified as a team with a significant need for a veteran presence at the front of their rotation. Valdez’s ground-ball tendencies would be a notably good fit with the Mets’ improved middle infield defense, following the trade that sent Jeff McNeil to the Seattle Mariners for Marcus Semien. The Mets are seeking “innings and run prevention,” and Valdez certainly delivers on both fronts.
Though, another analyst doubled down on the Cubs, emphasizing their strong infield defense featuring Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Valdez is statistically the best ground ball starter in baseball, boasting a 61.6% ground ball rate sence 2021 – substantially higher than the MLB average of 41.8%. Here’s a look at the top ground ball rates over that period:
- Framber Valdez: 61.6%
- Logan Webb: 57.8%
- Cristopher Sánchez: 57.5%
- Max Fried: 53.9%
- Brayan Bello: 52.7%
“The Cubbies need another starter and Valdez in front of that defense would be a stunning thing. Its a no-hitter waiting to happen,” the analyst commented.
A Dark Horse Emerges: The Detroit Tigers
While the Orioles, Cubs, Giants, and Mets appear to be the frontrunners, one expert offered a slightly more unconventional prediction: the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers, they argued, have an unsettled back end to their rotation and a pre-existing connection between Valdez and current manager A.J. Hinch, stemming from their time together in Houston.
“Valdez could pair with Tarik Skubal in 2026 and also be a hedge against Skubal leaving as a free agent next offseason,” the analyst explained.
Ultimately,the destination for Framber Valdez remains uncertain. Though, the consensus among MLB experts is clear: he is a highly valuable asset who will significantly improve any team fortunate enough to secure his services. the coming weeks will undoubtedly be filled with speculation and negotiation as teams vie for the opportunity to add this elite left-hander to their roster.
