The Houston Astros made waves this winter by trading star outfielder Kyle Tucker, signaling a shift toward a new era of younger talent after years of postseason dominance.
Following this move, SBNation’s John Stolnis predicts that Astros ace Framber Valdez could be the next player to be traded before the 2025 spring training.
The left-handed pitcher, with one arbitration year remaining at $18 million, is likely to become a prime trade candidate.
Valdez, who has significant postseason experience and is considered one of the top players available on the market, is projected to earn nearly $19 million in his final arbitration year.
He will enter free agency after the 2025 season, which makes this offseason a crucial time for the Astros to decide whether to move him.
Stolnis points out that Valdez’s contract situation and valuable experience make him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff.
The Astros would likely receive a strong return if they trade Valdez. While it may not match the blockbuster trade that the Chicago White Sox received for Garrett Crochet, the deal would still bring in a notable collection of prospects.
Potential suitors for the lefty include the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants, among others.
Given Valdez’s experience and skill set, nearly every team in MLB could benefit from his presence on the roster.
This shift in strategy for the Astros reflects their focus on future talent, and trading Valdez could further accelerate the rebuilding process.
As the offseason progresses, teams are likely to keep a close eye on developments, knowing that a pitcher of Valdez’s caliber would significantly strengthen any rotation.
With multiple teams vying for his services, the trade market for the 2024 MLB season could be heating up.
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