Framber Valdez remains one of the more surprising names still sitting on the free-agent market, and some believe there’s a reason why his market has been quiet.
Valdez entered the offseason as one of the top available starting pitchers, but he still remains unsigned. While teams around the league continue to look for rotation help, the lack of noise around Valdez has raised questions about what’s holding things up.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report offered an explanation suggesting that Valdez’s market extends beyond American players.
“Much like the impact that Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto have likely had on Alex Bregman's slow-developing market, it's likely that Tatsuya Imai's posting window is at least partially to blame here, right?”
With Tatsuya Imai expected to draw significant interest, teams may be waiting to see how his market plays out before committing significant money to a pitcher like Valdez.
Imai has to sign by Jan. 2, so we should have an answer on that.
For Valdez, he’s proven capable of being an ace in a rotation, eating innings, and performing in high-leverage situations.
Perhaps some are upset with him crossing up his catcher on purpose last season, but even then, teams often look past things.
More Astros news:
- Former Astros star Alex Bregman predicted to make logical Red Sox decision after Pete Alonso signing
- Astros reportedly tried to trade for an ace at the trade deadline and have interest in him again in the offseason
- Astros’ Framber Valdez reportedly seeking one important thing in MLB free agency
- Astros 'in the mix' for top-tier free agent Framber Valdez replacements
- Kyle Tucker predicted to break baseball, sign with Dodgers to chase World Series ring
- Astros' Jake Meyers receives trade rumor update from MLB insiders