The Houston Astros are officially on the outside looking in the MLB playoff race. With four games remaining on the schedule, Houston will have to win at least two of its next four games, or it will be mathematically eliminated. At this point, the Astros need some outside help, and it's unclear if they will get it.
This means the offseason is looming very closely, and it might be time for roster personnel changes. This could come in the form of letting go of franchise star Framber Valdez, and the San Diego Padres are already being linked to the star southpaw.
Should the Padres go after Framber Valdez?
Padres' AJ Preller is known as one of the best front office executives in all of baseball, and San Diego will be looking to make a couple of major splashes in the free agent market this offseason.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Framber Valdez is already being linked to the Padres ahead of his anticipated free agency:
"He's recorded double-digit win totals in each of the last five seasons and struck out over 175 batters in three of the last four years. Additionally, he's been solid in the postseason, including a 1.44 ERA in 2022 when the Astros won the World Series. Houston can afford to lose the two-time All-Star because it has an abundance of young arms ready to take over."
"Houston should try to make a deal happen, but if not, the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and others could chase his signature to bolster their rotations."
Teams that have their sights set on competing for years to come will likely be a part of the Valdez sweepstakes. Framber's qualifying offer indicates he could hit the open market, and then any MLB team will have the chance to sign him to a long-term deal.
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