Framber Valdez Rumors: Three AL East Teams Linked To All-Star Pitcher As Top Favorites Amid Free Agency
Framber Valdez’s offseason just got a whole lot spicier. With the 2025 season officially wrapped, the veteran lefty is now one of the most intriguing names on the free-agent board. After years of being Houston’s steady anchor, Valdez (13-11 with a 3.66 ERA over 192 innings this year) is testing the market for the first time. And given his track record, certain teams are ready to go all-in on the Astros star.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Executives are reportedly digging deeper after Framber Valdez’s rough final stretch. His 6.05 ERA in his last ten starts and an ill-fated pitch on Sept. 2 may’ve shifted his long-term outlook. Still, with a resume that includes a 57-35 record and a 3.21 ERA since 2022, he’s earned his seat at the table.
As of November 18, multiple reports out of the GM meetings in Las Vegas link three AL East squads – the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Red Sox – as favorites in the chase. Baltimore’s Mike Elias knows Framber Valdez well from their Houston days. Toronto wants a lefty to balance its righty-heavy rotation. And Boston sees him as the perfect veteran fit behind Garrett Crochet.
Framber Valdez Debate: Optics vs. Outs In Free Agency
On November 18, MLB.com detailed how a grand slam to Trent Grisham spiraled into a cross-up two pitches later, with Valdez drilling catcher César Salazar in the chest after a curve was called, a moment both men labeled a miscommunication. The optics were rough (Framber Valdez turned away from his catcher), and that backlash has become part of his file.
Here’s the tension: executives still see the innings and reliability. Some worry the incident could shrink his bidder pool. However, the durability and ground-ball profile usually get paid at age 32, even if not at Fried-tier dollars.
“I think some clubs might have pause over that incident, but don’t think it will limit him too much,” an AL executive said, per MLB.com. “There are so few quality starters. He’s been both durable and quality.”
The calculus is clear: buy stability, bank October-level outs. The first aggressive offer likely wins the room.
Framber Valdez Rumors: Three AL East Teams Linked To All-Star Pitcher As Top Favorites Amid Free Agency
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