Throughout the offseason, CBS Sports MLB experts bring you a weekly roundtable called Batting Around, where they dissect major league happenings, engage with historical debates, and project future trends in baseball. Recently, the focus has been on the promising future of Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros pitcher whose recent developments have become a hot topic. Just last Thursday, the Astros solidified a deal with Japanese star Tatsuya Imai, adding more intrigue to a team already focused on enhancing its rotation.
Valdez is now the topic of discussion regarding which team could benefit the most from his skills. Several teams have emerged as potential players for his services.
R.J. Anderson emphasizes that the Baltimore Orioles could make a significant move by signing Valdez. They’ve already made strides in boosting their rotation with the addition of Zach Eflin and the trade for Shane Baz. However, the Orioles should not hesitate to pursue Valdez to elevate their pitching’s ceiling. Acquiring him would not only enhance their standing but also enable them to trade away a surplus starter, such as Dean Kremer or Cade Povich, to shore up other weaknesses within the roster.
Matt Snyder argues that the Chicago Cubs would also be an excellent fit for Valdez. The team has successfully utilized left-handed pitchers at Wrigley Field. Currently, their rotation includes Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea, alongside an impending return of Justin Steele from Tommy John surgery. Having reached the playoffs last year for the first time since 2020, the Cubs are in a position to flex their financial might. However, despite being the lone large-market team in the NL Central, they surprisingly ranked low in spending last season and seem poised for a repeat performance. Snyder speculates that even though they should pursue Valdez, this may not occur due to Tom Ricketts’ inclination for a middle-market operation under the direction of Jed Hoyer.
Snyder also suggests the San Francisco Giants as serious contenders. Their reluctance to sign long-term pitching may mirror the hesitation many teams feel about Valdez, but he sees a possibility for the market to align in their favor.
Dayn Perry brings up the New York Mets, indicating their urgent need for a steady veteran presence in their rotation. Valdez fits this requirement perfectly, bringing reliability to a pitching staff that has seen its share of issues. With a revamped middle-infield defense bolstered by the addition of Marcus Semien over Jeff McNeil, Valdez’s ground-ball tendencies would blend well with the Mets’ enhanced defensive setup.
Mike Axisa shares Snyder’s sentiment about the Cubs. He notes their exceptional infield defense, particularly with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner securing the middle. Valdez is recognized as the best ground-ball pitcher in baseball, making him a highly sought-after commodity. Reviewing the top ground-ball rates since 2021 among pitchers, Valdez stands out:
1. Framber Valdez: 61.6%
2. Logan Webb: 57.8%
3. Cristopher Sánchez: 57.5%
4. Max Fried: 53.9%
5. Brayan Bello: 52.7%
The data highlights that adding Valdez would be a game-changer for the Cubs’ aspirations. With his skill in pitching to the ground, the potential is immense for no-hitters given their solid defensive lineup. Chicago has other lefty starters in Boyd and Imanaga, with Steele soon returning, but this diversity in pitching styles presents a compelling case for acquiring Valdez and capitalizing on their defensive strengths.
As for the actual landing spot for Valdez, Axisa makes a bold prediction that the Detroit Tigers might pursue him. The Tigers face uncertainty in their current rotation, making them a potential fit. The previous connection with A.J. Hinch from their time in Houston could serve as a bridge in this negotiation. Pairing Valdez with Tarik Skubal could provide them stability, especially as they anticipate Skubal entering free agency the following off-season.
As the offseason heats up, the anticipation surrounding Framber Valdez’s potential new home adds yet another layer of excitement to the already dynamic world of Major League Baseball. Teams are weighing their options, and this season may prove pivotal for multiple franchises seeking improvements in their pitching rotations.
