Overview

• MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has identified Houston, Toronto and Baltimore as plausible destinations for Valdez once he hits the market.
• Valdez is in his walk year and has produced an 11–7 record with a 3.32 ERA over 25 starts and 157 1/3 innings this season.
• He has allowed 19 earned runs across his last four starts, a rough stretch that lifted his ERA from 2.62 to 3.32 in August.
• Analysts expect a contract with a high average annual value, with some reports suggesting offers well north of $100 million, though age could limit years.
• News coverage indicates the Astros may face a bidding war to retain their ace as multiple AL contenders evaluate top-of-rotation upgrades.