MLB's free agency is finally here with the signing period opening for eligible players at 5 P.M. On Thursday.
The Houston Astros have a big decision to make regarding southpaw starter Framber Valdez. Valdez is one of the marquee starters in the market, and the early reports point to him departing in free agency.
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ESPN projects Framber Valdez to sign $168 million deal
In a recent article by ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, Astros free agent Framber Valdez is predicted to sign a six-year, $168 million contract.
Valdez should have no problem finding a suitor based on his dependability and production as a starter. He has one of the highest ground ball rates in MLB, and also has a lot of swing-and-miss in his arsenal.
The two-time All-Star Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA in 2025 with 187 strikeouts. He's posted more than 175 innings in each of the past four seasons.
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Valdez is turning 32 later this month, and that may be a slight cause for worry, which is why his projected deal is just six years. However, if he's able to replicate his production from the last four years for a few more years into his contract, it will be well worth it for whoever wins the Framber Valdez sweepstakes.
Some potential suitors include the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles.
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