The Houston Astros are preparing to offer Framber Valdez a contract extension potentially worth $180 million, as the two-time All-Star approaches free agency this offseason. Valdez, turning 32 in November, has established himself as one of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB’s most reliable starters, making this anticipated deal a major focus for the Astros and the league.
Projected Contract Deal for Valdez
Framber Valdez has anchored one of the strongest rotations in baseball alongside rising star Hunter Brown. This season, Valdez has maintained a 2.97 ERA across 145.2 innings, striking out 145 batters and completing two games. Though he occasionally concedes hard contact, his ability to induce ground balls and efficiently work through lineups has allowed him to average 6.3 innings per start.
MLBTradeRumors.com recently analyzed the free agent market and forecasted Valdez’s contract outlook, noting the limitations posed by his age. They stated,
Were it not for the fact that Valdez will turn 32 in November, he’d be the No. 2 free agent on this ranking and comfortably projected for a $200MM contract. As it stands, he’ll be angling to become just the fourth pitcher to secure even a five-year deal in free agency beginning with his age-32 season (Contract Tracker link). A four-year deal for Valdez would surely clock in well over $100MM, but he should be expected to land five years and will have a real chance to join Zack Greinke as the only 32-year-old starter in recent memory to reel in six years. A deal in the $150-180MM range shouldn’t be a surprise, even after he inevitably rejects a qualifying offer.
—MLBTradeRumors.com
This prediction places Valdez among the highest-paid pitchers, especially for left-handed starters at his stage of career.
Valdez’s Impact on Houston’s 2025 Pennant Pursuit
While contract negotiations loom, the immediate focus remains on the ongoing 2025 season. Valdez has already proven his immense value to the Astros, contributing significantly to their 2022 World Series championship with a dominant performance. That year, he led the American League with 201.2 innings pitched, completed three games, and maintained a tiny 0.5 HR/9 rate. His elevated play during the postseason was instrumental in securing the title.
Valdez’s continued excellence this year supports the Astros’ confidence in an extension worth approximately $30 million annually. As MLBTradeRumors predicts, this potential $180 million contract would rank as one of the largest ever awarded to a southpaw starter.
The Astros remain locked in a competitive American League West battle, holding a 67-52 record and leading the Seattle Mariners by just a single game. Their acquisition of Carlos Correa at the trade deadline further boosts their chances as a dark horse team aiming for another Fall Classic appearance.
Astros’ Strategy and the Road Ahead
Securing Valdez on a long-term deal is crucial for Houston’s pitching depth and future success. His consistent ability to pitch deep into games while maintaining an effective ERA ensures that the Astros can rely on him as a cornerstone of their staff. Meanwhile, Hunter Brown‘s emergence adds strength to the rotation, making Houston’s starting pitching highly competitive as they chase postseason glory.
The looming contract talks not only underline Valdez’s value but also signal the Astros’ commitment to retaining their top talent amid an intense divisional race. As the 2025 season progresses, both Astros management and Valdez are expected to navigate contract discussions carefully, balancing immediate performance with long-term stability.
Ultimately, landing a $180 million deal would solidify Valdez’s place among baseball’s elite pitchers, while reinforcing Houston’s position as a major force in the American League for years to come.