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The Houston Astros lost Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker last offseason, but they still put together a good first half of the season. They looked like they were heading back to the postseason again in 2025, but they collapsed down the stretch. Over the course of the last few weeks of the regular season, the Seattle Mariners stole the American League West from Houston. Now the Astros are headed into the offseason, and they’re at risk of losing their ace, Framber Valdez, in free agency. NBC Sports’ Matthew Pouliot recently projected Valdez would sign a massive five-year contract worth $150 million in free agency this offseason. SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on September 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) “On paper, Valdez seems like the best pitcher available; he’s made 121 starts with a 3.21 ERA the last four years and shown no real decline in stuff in the process,” Pouliot wrote. “Still, questions about his conditioning and attitude linger, and his recent postseason performances were particularly discouraging. It might serve to knock a year or two off of what will still be a very healthy contract.” The Astros need to prioritize bringing Valdez back this offseason. He’s been their ace, alongside Hunter Brown, for the last few years. Houston needs to do whatever it can to bring Valdez back to town in 2026 or else its pitching staff is likely going to struggle going forward. More MLB: Red Sox $120 Million Superstar Opts Out, Heads to Free Agency: Report
