When it comes to pitching depth, the Atlanta Braves know they need to be proactive this offseason. Sure, one-year deals could fill a gap here or there, but the real game-changer might be found through trades, and one name that’s catching the eye of experts is Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Braves are one of three teams that could make a push for Valdez if the Astros decide to shop him this offseason. Let’s break down why this move could be a big win for Atlanta.
Why Framber Valdez Makes Sense for the Braves
Rymer has a pretty compelling argument. He sees Valdez as the “most likely” candidate in Houston’s organization to be moved before the 2025 season kicks off. The numbers back up the potential appeal—Valdez is due $17.8 million through arbitration next year. For a pitcher with his track record, that’s actually a solid rate. However, the Astros might be willing to let him go if it means freeing up that salary to take care of other needs like re-signing a star like Alex Bregman or bolstering their bullpen depth.
Houston’s pitching depth also plays into this. Even without Valdez, they’re not exactly hurting on the mound. Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, and Ronel Blanco have shown promise, while seasoned arms like Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are expected back from injury. The Astros have some wiggle room, and moving Valdez could make financial and strategic sense for them.
The Fit: Braves and Valdez
Now, what about the Braves? First, it’s clear the left-hander brings experience and talent—he’s a two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and put up a stellar 2022 season with a 17-6 record, a 2.82 ERA, and a league-leading 201.1 innings pitched.
He was instrumental in the Astros’ postseason success, including a dominant showing in the 2022 World Series, where he went 2-0 against the Phillies with a 1.46 ERA. That kind of performance speaks for itself.
Braves fans probably remember facing Valdez in the 2021 World Series when their offense lit him up for 10 runs in just 4.2 innings. Still, it’s worth noting that despite that hiccup, Valdez bounced back in the years that followed.
In fact, he arguably outperformed his 2023 numbers this past season with more wins, a lower ERA, and an improved WHIP. He may not have made the All-Star team in 2024, but the stats tell a story of consistency and reliability. These are two traits the Braves could definitely use.
The Financials and the Fit
So, what would it cost Atlanta to land Valdez? As Rymer points out, it’s not exactly cheap. $18 million isn’t a small change. But the Braves have some flexibility here. Left-hander Max Fried could leave in free agency, and there’s also the question of veteran Charlie Morton, who might retire this winter. Morton’s $20 million salary from 2024 coming off the books means that, in theory, bringing Valdez on board could actually reduce payroll costs if he’s replacing Morton’s slot.
In short, adding Valdez might be a win-win scenario. The Braves get a proven, durable arm to stabilize their rotation while potentially saving some cash in the process. It’s a bold move, sure, but one that could pay off if Atlanta is serious about making another deep playoff run in 2025. If the Astros are open to talks, this is a deal that could transform the Braves’ offseason.
