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By Patrick McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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Will Framber Valdez return to the Houston Astros in 2026?
He's a free agent right now after eight seasons with the club. He's the top hurler on the open market and it sounds like he's getting the conversations started early. On Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Valdez will be meeting with teams at the general manager meetings this week.
"Top free agent lefty Framber Valdez is here at the GM meetings, and will meet with teams," Heyman wrote. "Valdez is tied with Max Fried for most wins this decade and second in quality starts to Zack Wheeler."
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Valdez is just 31 years old and he hasn't had fewer than 11 wins in a season since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Since 2020, Valdez has gone 68-41 for the Astros with a 3.20 ERA in 143 starts. He's a big-game pitcher with a World Series ring and a 7-6 record in the postseason across 17 total appearances to go along with a 4.34 ERA.
Valdez is projected to have a market value worth over $199 million across six seasons, per Spotrac. Losing Valdez would be difficult for the Astros. It's unclear which teams he will meet with, but the hot stove is starting to heat up.
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