The Houston Astros may need to get creative with how they replace Framber Valdez this offseason, considering they may not have the money to swim in the deep waters of free agency. The trade market could be just as difficult, given the lack of depth in their farm system. These circumstances could force the Astros down a path where they take a gamble, and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly makes the case for Shota Imanaga.
Houston was among the teams to express an interest in Imanaga before he signed with the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, but they had some concerns over his fly-ball tendencies.