With spring training just around the corner and most of the major free agents already off the board, one name still lingers in limbo: Framber Valdez. While stars like Kyle Tucker (Dodgers), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Alex Bregman (Cubs), and Pete Alonso (Orioles) have all found new homes-or returned to familiar ones-Valdez remains unsigned, a surprising twist for a pitcher who, not long ago, was considered one of the top arms available this offseason.
Valdez’s exit from Houston felt more like a quiet breakup than a farewell tour. There was no big send-off, no emotional fanfare.
Just a sense that both sides were ready to move on. And now, with the market mostly settled, it’s clear that his free agency hasn’t played out the way many expected.
This was supposed to be Valdez’s moment. A frontline lefty with postseason experience and a solid resume, he was in line for a big payday-maybe even a deal approaching the $200 million mark had an extension come during the season. But that kind of number was always going to be a tough sell in Houston, a team that’s historically hesitant to go long and heavy on veteran starters.
Then came the red flags. There were whispers over the summer that Valdez had crossed up his catcher intentionally-something that, fair or not, doesn’t sit well in clubhouses.
Add in some public friction with the Astros’ coaching staff, and suddenly teams had more than just pitch data to weigh. They had to ask: Is this a guy we want to build our rotation around?
So far, the answer seems to be “maybe,” at best.
The Orioles were the team most consistently linked to Valdez, but their interest may be cooling as they explore other options like Justin Verlander or Lucas Giolito. The Giants were also floated as a possibility, but according to MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand, San Francisco doesn’t appear eager to hand out a long-term deal either.
That’s been the theme across the board-teams poking around, doing their due diligence, but no one stepping up with a serious offer. For Houston, that’s starting to look like a win. They didn’t extend Valdez when they had the chance, and now, with his market stalling, it’s hard to argue with the decision.
Of course, there’s still a conversation to be had about whether the Astros are actually better off without him. Valdez was a key part of their rotation, and replacing that kind of production isn’t easy.
But financially? They may have dodged a bullet.
Locking into a massive deal with a 32-year-old pitcher-especially one who showed some signs of internal friction-always carries risk. And right now, it looks like Houston read the room better than most.
Valdez could still land a deal in the coming weeks. All it takes is one team willing to bet on the upside. But as things stand, his free agency serves as a reminder that timing, perception, and clubhouse dynamics can be just as important as ERA and strikeout rates when it comes to getting paid.