A large gap in the Houston Astros' starting rotation has appeared as long-time ace Framber Valdez hit free agency this winter. An awkward falling out between Houston and Valdez has hinted that he may not return in free agency. What options are available for the Astros?
Dylan Cease is off the table for Houston after the pitcher, who was with the San Diego Padres for the past two seasons, signed a long-term deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
There are plenty of options left: Michael King, Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen. So which one of these guys could the Astros pair with emerging ace Hunter Brown moving forward?
More: Astros predicted to land 3.20 ERA lefty to replace Framber Valdez in free agency
Houston is labeled as a top destination for Zac Gallen's rebirth
Just two short years ago, former Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen was one of the top pitchers in the National League. Posting a 17-9 record with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in 2023 had him finish third in NL Cy Young Award voting.
Fast forward to 2025, the 30-year-old right-hander struggled. He finished the season with a 13-15 record with his ERA and WHIP rising to 4.83 and 1.26. However, the former North Carolina Tar Heel standout finished within the top 10 in innings pitched (192), which is something that Houston needs.
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden labeled the Astros as a possible landing spot for Gallen.
"A change of scenery probably makes sense for him at this point, with the Astros, Tigers, Orioles, Braves, Mets and Cubs all possibilities if he doesn’t return to Arizona," Bowden wrote.
Healthy pitchers are something that Houston desperately needs with Hyaden Wesneski, Ronel Blanco, and Brandon Walter all recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Zac Gallen could be the free agent that the Astros bring in to not only resurge his career but also take on a large workload.
More MLB news:
Mariners acquire 25-year-old reliever from Nationals via trade
SP Michael King drawing interest from multiple teams in free agency
Report: Padres still interested in bringing back Luis Arraez
Tigers in line to pursue Alex Bregman after missing out in 202