Overview

• Framber Valdez will reach free agency after the 2025 season and is widely ranked as the No. 2 overall free agent for 2025–26.
• He has delivered an 11-5 record with a 2.97 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 145.2 innings through 23 starts this season.
• Analysts project he could secure a multi-year deal similar to Max Fried’s eight-year, $218 million contract, at roughly $27 million per season.
• Valdez’s league-leading 0.5 home runs per nine innings and high ground-ball rate underscore his reputation for limiting homers and inducing grounders.
• Houston’s blockbuster July trade acquisitions have elevated payroll and tax concerns that may limit the Astros’ ability to match market offers.