The chances of left-handed starter Framber Valdez returning to the Houston Astros have been going down ever since Opening Day back in March. Once the Astros entered the 2025 season without Valdez under a long-term contract extension, his departure from Space City seemed almost academic.
Valdez's name was floated about as a trade candidate just before the MLB Winter Meetings last December, but after Kyle Tucker was dealt to the Chicago Cubs, Houston decided to retain their ace for his final arbitration-eligible season. Now a free agent, Valdez is one of the top names available on the open market, and recent rumors suggest that he's about to cash in on a massive payday.