4 bold Astros predictions for the 2023 season
By Tim Boyle
2. Bold Astros prediction: Framber Valdez finishes second in the Cy Young race
They grow up so fast. Framber Valdez is already 29 and coming off of a year that should have everyone pegging him as a Cy Young candidate. He finished fifth in the voting last season. In 2023, he gets a little bit closer.
This Astros prediction has Valdez as the runner-up. He may not top the 17-6 record but the 2.82 ERA could look even better by the season’s end.
Valdez pitched more innings and faced more batters than any other American League pitcher in the regular season. A 3-0 record in four postseason starts further solidified him as one of the best pitchers in the game. No longer under the shadow of Justin Verlander, this is his team.
Valdez will come up short in the Cy Young chase because someone else will have a much more ridiculous ERA. The four players to finish ahead of him were at 2.33 or less. Winning 20 games could help push him ahead of others who prevent runners better. He’ll have to settle for second place this time around.
Will Valdez ever grab a Cy Young? It’s always tough. If Verlander unintentionally taught him anything, it might be to stick around as long as you can. He won another at 39.