Astros' Framber Valdez will be a Top 5 free agent this offseason

Astros' Framber Valdez will be a Top 5 free agent this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News

Houston Astros' starting pitcher Framber Valdez has become one of the most reliable pitchers in the MLB over the last five years.

After figuring things out in his first three years in the MLB, maxing out around 70 innings each season, the last five years have been excellent for Valdez.

The Dominican southpaw has averaged an ERA just over three and about 173 innings pitched over that span, and will now be a free agent at the end of the season.

Framber Valdez Will Be a Top Free Agent

After signing with the Astros in 2014, and going through eight years of arbitration since 2018, Valdez will be a free agent at the end of the season, and figures to get one of the top starting pitching deals on the market.

MLB's Mark Feinsand ranked Valdez as the No. 4 ranked free agent heading into this offseason.

"There are some high-end starting pitchers on the market this winter, but none with the same track record as Valdez, who has a 3.16 ERA over 148 games since becoming a full-time starter in 2020," Feinsand wrote. "Valdez is having a strong season (11-7, 3.32 ERA in 25 starts and 157 1/3 innings) in his walk year, and he’s pitched in the postseason in each of the past five years, including a dominant four-start stretch in 2022 (3-0, 1.44 ERA) during the Astros’ World Series title run."

Valdez's postseason experience only adds to the value that's backed up by his consistent, impressive stats. The Astros' lefty has been a pivotal part of their dynasty over the last decade, reaching seven straight American League Championship Series and four World Series.

"A two-time All-MLB Team selection, the lefty should land a high AAV (average annual value) to lead someone’s rotation," Feinsand wrote. "Though his age makes the length of the deal a bit less certain."

Framber Valdez has only spent a TOTAL of 77 days on the IL in his career since 2018

The definition of a workhorse

Present a massive deal to him Orioles

— PigTownSports (@PigTownSports) August 8, 2025

Valdez is already into his 30s and has shown signs of decline in the second half of this season for the Astros. After starting the season 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA, the lefty has lost three straight decisions and given up 19 runs over his last 23.1 innings.

Valdez's ERA has jumped from 2.67 to 3.32 and he's struck out just 13 batters compared to his 10 walks over that span.

Both Valdez and the Astros hope it's just a blip for the Dominican southpaw, as the Astros look ahead to a postseason run and Valdez hopes to rise his free agency stock, but the past few starts have been a bit concerning.

However, unless Valdez completely unravels, his track record speaks for itself, and his postseason experience and success is hard to come by. The Astros' lefty should have plenty of options this offseason as a one of the top free agents available.