Framber Valdez, who has spent his entire professional career with the Houston Astros, is currently finishing a one-year contract worth $18 million. By the conclusion of this season, he will enter free agency for the first time, making him a highly sought-after pitcher in the upcoming market. His consistent performance with the Astros has placed him among the top free agents expected to draw significant attention.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors placed Valdez fourth overall on his list of the top 10 impending free agents, while ranking him as the premier pitcher available. Adams estimates that Valdez’s next contract could range between $150 million and $180 million for a five-year term, contingent on his age—Valdez is currently 32. Without that factor, Adams suggested he might have been in contention for a $200 million deal.
Valdez’s Journey and Impact with the Astros
Since his major league debut in August 2018, the left-handed pitcher has exhibited steady success with remarkable consistency. Entering this weekend’s game against the New York Yankees, Valdez holds a career record of 79 wins and 46 losses with a 3.24 earned run average (ERA). His 2019 season stands out as an exception, but aside from that year, he has always maintained a winning record with a sub-3.57 ERA.
Valdez earned American League All-Star honors in both 2022 and 2023, with 2022 marking his standout campaign. That year, he went 17-6 in 31 starts and posted an impressive 2.82 ERA. Additionally, he approached the 200-strikeout mark while issuing only 67 walks. His dominance was pivotal in helping Houston capture the World Series title that season.
During the 2022 postseason, Valdez went undefeated with a 3-0 record and an exceptional 1.44 ERA. In the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, he recorded 18 strikeouts across 12 innings, underscoring his critical role in the Astros’ championship run.
Outstanding Performance Ahead of Free Agency
Valdez is on track to deliver one of his finest seasons to date in 2025, further boosting his value as he approaches free agency. So far this year, he has started 22 games, compiling an 11-5 record that includes two complete games. Opponents are hitting just .219 against him this season, which is a personal best in batting average suppression.
As of Saturday, Valdez has pitched 140 innings and struck out 144 batters while issuing only 45 walks. His strikeout total ranks second on the Astros behind rookie Hunter Brown, who started the previous game. Valdez’s consistency and dominance make him a cornerstone of Houston’s rotation and a top priority for the team to re-sign.
The Astros have historically faced challenges in retaining their own free agents, but keeping Valdez would be crucial given his steady role and impact on the pitching staff. With multiple teams poised to court him in free agency, Houston’s ability to negotiate a deal will significantly influence their pitching strength moving forward.
The Broader Significance of Valdez’s Free Agency
Framber Valdez’s upcoming free agency not only spotlights his individual talent but also raises questions about the Astros’ strategy for maintaining a competitive roster. His combination of durability, effectiveness, and postseason success makes him one of the most coveted pitchers entering the market this year. Whether Houston can keep him in uniform will likely affect their chances in future playoff runs.
Valdez’s career arc, built exclusively with one organization, adds a narrative of loyalty and consistent excellence that few pitchers achieve. As teams prepare their bids, the coming months will be critical in shaping the trajectory of his career and the Astros’ pitching future.
“Valdez is on track to post one of his best seasons.” — Maddy Dickens, Sportswriter
“Adams projected Valdez’s potential contract to land somewhere in the $150-$180 million dollar range, assuming a five-year deal.” — Steve Adams, MLB Trade Rumors
“Houston need to make it a priority to figure out how to get Valdez back in an Astros uniform next season.” — Maddy Dickens, Sportswriter