Overview

• Valdez will hit free agency after the 2025 season after posting a 2.97 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in roughly 145 innings.
• MLB Trade Rumors projects his next multi-year deal to fall between $150 million and $180 million.
• Some analysts compare his potential earnings to Max Fried’s eight-year, $218 million pact, hinting at a possible $27 million average per year.
• He has logged at least 176.1 innings each season since 2021, but age and arm wear concerns could temper his market value.
• The Astros must weigh the financial hit against their pitching depth and competitive-balance-tax considerations.