DALLAS — In the wake of trading three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged the team will listen to offers for starter Framber Valdez, but downplayed the possibility of another big move.
“We’re not aggressively trying to move him, but we’ll listen,” Brown said on Friday. “If you’re asking me if (I) think we’re going to trade Valdez, I don’t think we’re going to trade Valdez. I think he’s a pillar and it’s really tough to keep a rotation intact.”
Earlier this week, Brown said Houston would be “willing to listen on anybody,” triggering a whirlwind 72 hours that concluded with Tucker’s departure on Friday. Tucker, like Valdez, is one year away from free agency and expected to command the sort of free-agent contract Houston owner Jim Crane is loath to give.
Valdez is a two-time All-Star and has been the Astros’ Opening Day starter for three consecutive seasons. He’s finished each of the past four 162-game seasons with a sub-3.50 ERA and has three consecutive top-10 finishes in American League Cy Young Award voting. Since 2020, Valdez has been one of eight major-league pitchers to throw at least 781 innings, joining a group that includes Corbin Burnes, Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler.
MLB Trade Rumors projects Valdez will make $17.8 million in 2025 — his final year under team control. Brown acknowledged on Friday that the club has not had meaningful extension talks with Valdez since last season. Given the prices being paid to free-agent pitchers this winter, it would make sense for Valdez and his representatives to explore the market next winter.
Max Fried, the most sought-after left-handed pitcher on this year’s market, received an eight-year, $218 million deal from the New York Yankees — a contract that contained the most guaranteed money ever for a left-handed pitcher. Valdez is a year older than Fried, but has thrown an almost identical number of innings with just a slight difference in career ERA: Fried has a 3.07 mark and Valdez boasts a 3.30 clip.
More on the Kyle Tucker trade
• Astros trade OF Kyle Tucker to Cubs following hectic 72-hour window
• What Kyle Tucker trade says about Cubs, Astros: Chicago all-in, Houston seeks sustainability
• Law: Cubs finally take big swing with great deal for Kyle Tucker
(Photo: Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
