Rival Teams Urged Not to Trade for Astros All-Star Framber Valdez
Despite trading All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker over the offseason, the Houston Astros opted to also run it back with veteran starting pitcher Framber Valdez.
Whether or not Valdez is approaching the end of his time in Houston remains unclear. The Astros entered play Friday at 13-11, only a half-game out of first place in a mediocre AL West, and the veteran lefty can hit free agency this winter.
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Some believe the Astros will buy at the trade deadline, with ESPN recently suggesting that Houston acquire Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe. Other fans and pundits think Joe Espada's club should weigh selling and accelerating their transitional period.
Count Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer among those skeptical that teams should pursue Valdez. The two-time All-Star lefty enters play Friday with a 4.50 ERA and a disappointing 3.5 BB/9 ratio—his highest since a 3.9 mark in 2021—over five starts.
'If we were a rival team, these things would have us on guard,' Rymer wrote this week.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber ValdezThomas Shea-Imagn Images
Rymer also listed Valdez's trade stock as 'down' a month into the season. He gave the same grade to Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, and Seattle Mariners starter Luis Castillo.
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The slow start is slightly uncharacteristic for Valdez, who owns a 3.17 ERA across 24 March/April games (18 starts) since debuting in 2018. However, his 3.5 BB/9 is significantly up from 2.6 in 2022 and 2.8 a year ago, and his 8.7 hits per nine is easily his highest since becoming a full-time starter in 2020.
That doesn't mean teams won't, and shouldn't pursue, Valdez as a rental option if he's available. He's a 31-year-old starter set to enter free agency, meaning he shouldn't cost too much ahead of the deadline.
If the Astros do consider trading Valdez, chances are at least one team will ignore Rymer and make a serious play for the former Cy Young finalist.
Related: Braves Trade Idea Surprisingly Sends Early MVP Candidate to Contender
Related: Mets' $78 Million All-Star Sends Clear Message Amid Reduced Playing Time
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