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Houston Astros rumors: Framber Valdez extension looming?

Astros pitcher Framber Valdez is expected to make just under $7 million this coming season, which is far under what his supposed asking price would be in free agency, if he makes it that far. Houston owner Jim Crane and general manager Dana Brown hope that never comes to fruition.

Brown has spoken openly about wanting to perfect the Atlanta Braves approach. Brown admires Alex Anthopoulos, and his model of signing young players to contract extensions prior to their arbitration and free agency years. This helps keep a young core in tact, rather than losing key players along the way.

Losing Valdez would be a monumental defeat for an Astros team that hopes 2022 wasn’t the final World Series title of this run.

MLB news: What would a Framber Valdez extension look like?

Valdez made the All-Star team in 2022, throwing three complete games and winning 17 games in the process. He sported a 2.82 ERA, and is the leader of the Houston pitching staff. So, with that in mind, a contract for the Astros ace would look something like this, per Hector Gomez.

$150 million is affordable for a pitcher like Valdez, and Crane should jump at the chance to make such a deal.