Despite helping win a World Series in 2022, the Houston Astros could be considering moving on from one of their best pitchers. Some might even argue that Framber Valdez has been Houston’s best, most consistent arm over the past few seasons, but that same respect is what has the two-time All-Star as one of the most coveted players mentioned in trade rumors this winter.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, teams who may feel they’re on the outside looking in on the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes could turn to the trade market instead. We’ve already witnessed some form of that mentality come to life with the Tyler Glasnow trade.
But the Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t the only team with pitching needs. This means teams like the Astros could soon receive an influx of trade calls for players like Valdez. In fact, according to Rosenthal, executives from two different MLB teams revealed they’re already monitoring Valdez’s situation in Houston.
At first glance, it wouldn’t make much sense for the ‘Stros to trade one of their best pitchers. Yet, since Houston is already above the first spending apron, with a projected payroll of $237.4 million, some around MLB wonder if Houston would consider selling high on their 30-year-old left-handed pitcher to both save money and reinforce a farm system that ranks as one of the least talented groups in baseball today.
While there have been no actual reports of Valdez being on the trade block, teams are keeping a close eye on the situation. If Houston is open to trading Valdez, which teams might he land with? Here’s a list of three potential suitors.
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St. Louis Cardinals continue overhauling pitching staff
The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy addressing their starting rotation this offseason after parting with Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery ahead of last year’s MLB trade deadline. Yet, while the addition of Sonny Gray gives the Cardinals a new frontline starter, the arrival of Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson leaves room for further growth in St. Louis.
Not to mention, aside from Gray, the Cardinals’ signings won’t help them past the 2023 season. Meanwhile, trading for a player like Valdez could not only give the Cardinals a formidable 1-2 punch capable of helping lead a strong postseason run, but also more long-term stability. Valdez is 30, so he won’t be around forever either, but he is under team control through the 2025 season. Estimated to receive roughly $12.8 million in arbitration according to Spotrac, Valdez should have no trouble living up to his contract value in St. Louis.
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Cincinnati Reds swap prospects for new staff ace
Trading several veteran pitchers over the past few years has drastically improved the Cincinnati Reds’ farm system, injecting them with a collection of young talent. Unfortunately, it has also left behind a pitching staff without much depth.
Yet, now the Reds can package a collection of MLB-ready prospects together in an effort to land a proven arm, such as Valdez. Hunter Greene may be the future ace, but having a veteran with six years of experience, including a World Series win, could help this staff round into respectable form.
Boston Red Sox stabilize rotation with Framber Valdez
As far as we can tell, the Boston Red Sox are still in on the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, but they cannot put all their eggs in one basket. Even if the Red Sox land Yamamoto, it shouldn’t excuse them from making more additions to the pitching staff.
While the thought of adding Yamamoto is exciting, there’s no guarantee he will find profound success in MLB. We don’t have to remind Red Sox fans of Daisuke Matsuzaka, but we will. Hyped as a potential superstar, Dice-K never quite lived up to those standards, but he was still effective. That’s just it, no one knows for sure that Yamamoto will succeed, whereas Valdez is already proven.
Not to mention, aside from the trade cost, adding Valdez, who had a career ERA of 3.45, would come at a much cheaper expense than a contract expected to top $300 million. Yet, we’re not suggesting Boston should walk away from Yamamoto. In an ideal world, the Red Sox could chase both pitchers this winter.
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