Most of the attention throughout baseball is focused on the MLB trade deadline, and understandably so. The Houston Astros, however, will soon have to grapple with the harsh reality that Framber Valdez is likely to leave after the 2025 season. There's been no progress — at least publicly — toward an extension, and considering that Valdez's name came up in trade talks this past offseason, the odds of a deal are next to zero.
Houston would certainly love to keep their ace. Valdez himself would probably stay if the Astros' offer was right, but it just doesn't appear as if there's been much progress, or even effort, toward a reunion.