Framber Valdez: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Features

On December 19, reports broke that the Pirates, Rays, and Astros were completing a three-way trade. It’s a big one, as the Astros will get Mike Burrows, the Rays will get two high-end prospects, while the Pirates get Brandonw Lowe and two others.

Baltimore Orioles News / Baltimore Orioles on SI / December 18

Orioles linked to cheaper rotation options as Framber Valdez remains in question

The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the busiest teams so far this offseason, but remain in need of a frontline starting pitcher. While Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish are already a strong 1-2 punch, president of baseball operations Mike Elias has repeatedly confirmed that the club remains committed to pursuing an ace-caliber arm.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / December 17

Cubs predicted to make surprising $168 million splash with two-time All-Star

The Chicago Cubs haven’t done much of anything this winter, and as expected, the fan base is getting frustrated. But perhaps the Cubs are simply lurking and waiting for the right opportunity to pounce?

Kyle Schwarber News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz

How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?

The 'Last 40-home-run season by MLB team' quiz

The 'MLB All-Star Game MVPs' quiz

The '50-home-run MLB seasons' quiz

Atlanta Braves News / Atlanta Braves on SI / December 13

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

The Atlanta Braves have locked down two free agents. One bolstered the bullpen while the other diversified their options on the offense. Now, from what we’re hearing, the attention has turned to fortifying the rotation. We are gaining an idea of who the Braves are targeting on the starting pitching market.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players on the brink of stardom in 2026

The stars were out in full force during the 2025 World Series. From Max Scherzer in Toronto to Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and of course, Shohei Ohtani, in Los Angeles, there was no shortage of the game's best under the brightest lights.

MLB News / MLB on ClutchPoints / December 11

Orioles predicted to land top pitcher after Pete Alonso signing, but it’s not Framber Valdez

The Baltimore Orioles sent shockwaves throughout MLB when they signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract. However, the Orioles don’t appear finished adding to their roster.

Framber Valdez News / Yardbarker / December 10

Orioles turning attention to All-Star pitcher after Pete Alonso signing

The Baltimore Orioles made one of the biggest splashes of the young MLB offseason, but it sounds like they aren't done trying to make noise.

Why the Astros Could Trade Their Key Outfielder This Offseason

Top Takeaways From Scott Boras’ Winter Meetings Media Availability

25 MLB prospects who will make an impact in 2026

The 'MLB Live Ball Era strikeout leaders' quiz

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / December 9

Astros Officially Announce Signing of Starting Pitcher to Major League Contract

The Houston Astros have been in dire need of boosting their starting rotation, particularly with free agent Framber Valdez on his way out the door. On the cusp of losing their ace, the Astros have been diligently working to plug the gaps.

MLB News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 7

Mets, Giants met with Framber Valdez in November

The Baltimore Orioles are the only team publicly linked to Framber Valdez’s market this winter, and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that Valdez and his reps indeed met with officials from the O’s at the GM Meetings in November.

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / December 7

Astros Must Leave Winter Meetings with Starting Pitcher Backup Plan

The MLB Winter Meetings are getting underway this week, and the Houston Astros have a number of needs. The Winter Meetings are the time when deals or the foundation for deals are made.

Framber Valdez News / Just Baseball / December 7

Framber Valdez: Arsenal Breakdown and Contract Projection

Framber Valdez has established himself as one of the premier groundball specialists in modern baseball, driven by an arsenal built on late arm-side movement, downhill plane, and shape deception.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era

America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / December 6

MLB Insider Names Houston Astros Perfect Landing Spot for Twins Ace

Even though nothing is official quite yet in regards to the Houston Astros and Framber Valdez the general consensus is that their long term starter is not going to be returning for 2026.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The '2004-05 NFL passing leaders' quiz

The 'Most multi-rushing-TD NFL games' quiz

The 'NFL's active TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / December 6

MLB Executive Gives Insight into Astros Star Framber Valdez’s Free Agency Video

The Houston Astros probably aren’t in the running to re-sign free agent starter Framber Valdez. Much of it is about money. As The Athletic’s Chandler Rome (subscription required) reported, team owner Jim Crane has never guaranteed more than $85 million to a starting pitcher and Valdez’s market should get him close to $200 million.

Baltimore Orioles News / Baltimore Orioles on SI / December 5

Baltimore Orioles named a favorite to add star pitcher

The Baltimore Orioles have a clear need for pitching this offseason. As various reports have indicated, Mike Elias is prioritizing the addition of quality arms and many believe that the club will be one of the most aggressive in the free agent market.

New York Mets News / New York Mets on SI / December 5

New York Mets among the favorites to land star ace

With the Winter Meetings just days away, the free agent market is expected to start heating up. Starting pitching remains a need for just about every team in the league, with the New York Mets at the top of that list.

MLB News / Houston Astros on SI / December 4

Astros Linked to Two Marlins Pitchers in Trade Market Predictions

The MLB Winter Meetings begin on Sunday in Orlando, and there is expected to be some news surrounding some of the bigger-named free agents. One of those is Framber Valdez, and with each passing day, it's becoming less likely that he returns to the Houston Astros.

Houston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / December 3

Astros targeting SP trade with expected loss of Framber Valdez

The Houston Astros missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last year. Even with Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa around, they could not recreate their old magic.

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / December 2

Astros Proposed Framber Valdez Backup Plan Could Wind Up Being Upgrade

The Houston Astros head into the offseason with pitching additions at the top of their to-do list following their first missed playoff appearance in close to a decade.

Houston Astros News / Last Word On Sports / December 1

Three Realistic Landing Spots for Astros’ Free Agent Ace

Framber Valdez enters free agency as one of the most coveted pitchers on the market: a durable, ground-ball machine with elite playoff experience and top-of-the-rotation presence.

MLB News / New York Mets on SI / November 30

Why the Mets should overlook any Framber Valdez concerns

At the top of the New York Mets’ lengthy offseason to-do list is fixing a starting rotation that unraveled during their 2025 collapse, but the market is not waiting for them.

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / November 29

If Framber Valdez Leaves Who Do Astros Pursue to Replace Him in 2026?

There is plenty of speculation floating around this free agency. Who is going where and how much are they going to be paid. One of the players that many are wondering about as he is one of the best available arms is Framber Valdez who has spent his entire Major League career with the Houston Astros.

New York Mets News / MLB on ClutchPoints / November 28

Mets rumors: Insider says New York is favorite to land Framber Valdez in free agency

The New York Mets are largely expected to make significant changes to their roster this offseason, and they could look to add one of the best starters on the market.

New York Mets News / Total Apex Sports / November 28

New York Mets Are Favorites To Sign Framber Valdez To $200 Million Deal

The New York Mets’ biggest need this offseason is adding proven arms to their starting rotation. David Stearns tried to piece together a bunch of veteran players and not pay a starting pitcher much money, which came back to haunt the team in a huge way.

Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / November 25

Astros Predicted To Replace Framber Valdez with Different Free Agent Superstar

The Houston Astros have been getting creative this offseason and, in turn, have been able to save some money. By making strategic moves, including their decision to non-tender Ramón Urías, they have a bit more wiggle room to make a splash.

MLB News / Yardbarker / November 15

Three potential landing spots for pitcher Framber Valdez

Pitcher Framber Valdez did not have the walk year he hoped for with the Houston Astros.

Three potential landing spots for shortstop Bo Bichette

Three potential landing spots for pitcher Dylan Cease

The greatest World Series rotations in MLB history

The 'World Series single-game K leaders' quiz

MLB News / Bluejaysnation / November 12

Blue Jays should steer clear of Framber Valdez in free agency

Veteran left-hander Framber Valdez is one of the premier starting pitchers on the free-agent market this offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to be active in fortifying their starting rotation, but Valdez shouldn’t be at the top of their wish list.

Houston Astros News / Just Baseball / November 2

Top Landing Spots for Free Agent Framber Valdez

After eight memorable seasons in Houston, Framber Valdez is set to hit the open market. The soon-to-be 32-year-old lefty made 166 starts for the Astros, pitching to the tune of a 3.36 ERA and 3.51 FIP while finishing top 10 in Cy Young voting three times.