The Houston Astros are losing one of their two best starters in free agency this winter, as Framber Valdez is a free agent and likely heading elsewhere this winter.
While the Astros are spending big on a free agent starter while letting Valdez go might be contradictory, Houston could be looking for a fresh start instead of bringing back Valdez.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com linked the Astros to a Philadelphia Phillies ace, Ranger Suarez, who was a fan-favorite in Philadelphia, as a potential replacement for Valdez this winter.
Astros linked to Phillies ace Ranger Suarez as Framber Valdez replacement
"Hunter Brown emerged as an Astros' ace in 2025, but with Framber Valdez likely headed elsewhere as a free agent, Houston will need to replace the sturdy, reliable left-hander. Suarez threw a career-high 157 1/3 innings last season, but his postseason track record -- he's 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA in 11 career appearances (8 starts) -- is the best of the free agent bunch."
Houston desperately needs to add a starting pitcher this offseason, especially with Valdez likely departing for a new team in free agency.
Suarez is a 30-year-old starter, two years younger than Valdez, and is coming off a better season. Valdez had a 3.66 ERA in 2025, while Suarez had a 3.20 ERA.
But one of the reasons why teams like the Astros will have a strong interest in Suarez is that the fan favorite Phillies ace is a postseason hero.
In 11 career appearances, including eight starts, Suarez has a 1.48 ERA. While it's not the ideal scenario to use a starter, as seen in the World Series with Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a starter being able to come out of the bullpen is key.
Suarez has such experience, and is also one of the better starters in baseball, on top of his clutch gene. Suarez would be an incredible signing for the Astros, as he can thrive in the rotation, and in a pinch, come out of the bullpen to help close out postseason series.
The All-Star left-hander was beloved in Philadelphia, and being able to sign him away from the Phillies would be a great move for Dana Brown and the Astros to make this winter.
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