The Houston Astros seem likely to lose Framber Valdez in free agency this winter, but it doesn’t mean the starting rotation won’t be addressed. Houston needs to acquire starting pitching, as the rotation is running thin. With Valdez likely gone, the Astros are now being linked to a left-handed pitcher from Philadelphia.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Houston Astros are among the most “serious threats” to sign Ranger Suarez away from the Philadelphia Phillies. Suarez, who threw a career-high in innings in 2025, has been elite over the last four MLB postseasons.
The 30-year-old pitcher won’t reach the same contract as Valdez, meaning he could fit within Houston’s payroll. The Astros will have competition to sign Suarez over the coming days and weeks, but it is clear that he is needed in Houston to solidify its starting pitching.
Hunter Brown is an excellent No. 1 option for Houston’s rotation, but Suarez would form a great one-two punch in the postseason. The Astros need to sign a starting pitcher, and while Suarez might be a step down from Valdez, he is still one of the best starters in free agency.
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