Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros’ leading pitcher, entered the 2025 MLB season with significant pressure to prove his value before reaching free agency. As a left-handed starter aiming for a lucrative contract, Valdez’s outstanding play this year is positioning him well for a major payday after the season concludes.
Although Valdez did not make the American League All-Star roster in 2025, he is having one of the strongest seasons of his career. Through 23 starts, he holds an 11-5 record with a 2.97 ERA across nearly 146 innings pitched. He has recorded 145 strikeouts while maintaining exceptional control over opponents, surrendering only eight home runs, the lowest rate in the AL at 0.5 home runs per nine innings.
Outstanding Season Highlights Longevity and Skill on the Mound
Valdez’s 2.96 FIP projects as the best in a full 162-game season, indicating his dominance extends beyond traditional pitching stats. His consistent excellence builds on an impressive three-year stretch from 2022 to 2024 during which he was a two-time All-Star, consistently ranked among the top nine in AL Cy Young Award voting, and appeared twice on the AL MVP ballot.
His ability to limit hard contact while inducing ground balls demonstrates a pitching style that can remain effective as he ages, providing reassurance to teams looking to invest in him this offseason.
Factors Influencing Valdez’s Free Agency Market
One challenge that may temper some teams’ enthusiasm is Valdez’s age; he will turn 32 by Opening Day 2026. This could deter franchises from offering him long-term deals. However, Valdez’s proven durability and pitching style suggest he will continue to perform well into his late 30s, reducing the risk for potential suitors.
Andy McCullough of The Athletic writes,
“He has been basically the same guy for half a decade: His sinker generates a lot of grounders, he doesn’t give up many home runs and he strikes out about a batter per inning. He does give up a good deal of hard contact, but since most of it is on the ground, you can live with that.”
—Andy McCullough, The Athletic
Valdez has consistently made at least 28 starts each season over the past three years and is on track to continue that trend in 2025. His capacity to maintain durability and control makes him an attractive, relatively safe free agent pick for teams seeking on-field reliability.
Postseason Success Adds to Valdez’s Appeal
In addition to his regular-season success, Valdez has demonstrated clutch performances in the playoffs. His critical role during the Astros’ 2022 run to the World Series championship will stand out to organizations in need of postseason-tested pitching talent, further boosting his marketability during free agency.
Looking Ahead: Valdez’s Free Agency Outlook
As the 2025 season concludes, Framber Valdez’s consistent dominance and proven postseason track record position him as a favored target for teams pursuing experienced, effective pitching talent. While his age may influence contract length and terms, the strong body of work he has compiled over recent seasons sets the stage for a significant contract that reflects his contributions to the Astros and his value in the league.