Giants Linked to Predicted $150 Million Starter

Major League Baseball’s hot stove season is finally here, and eligible free agents across MLB can sign with whatever team they choose.

The starting pitcher market this offseason is really top-heavy, with names like Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, and Ranger Suarez being the top available arms. After that, it thins out with Michael King, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Woodruff being the next best options. That means only a handful of starters will be handed massive contract extensions. The Houston Astros have a big decision to make regarding Framber Valdez, and the early reports suggest that it will be hard for Houston to retain Valdez due to his high asking price. So, what does a potential Framber Valdez contract look like? And who are potential suitors?

Framber Valdez Predicted to Receive $150 Million Contract

Is committing to Framber Valdez for five years, and an AAV of $30 million, too much for the 31-year-old who turns 32 later this month?

MLBTradeRumors.com doesn’t seem to think so, as they recently gave Framber Valdez a five-year, $150 million contract prediction.

On top of that, two of their four writers who helped contribute to the “top 50 free agents with predictions” story believe that Valdez will sign with the San Francisco Giants. 

“Beyond avoiding the IL, Valdez has been one of baseball’s top bullpen-savers since securing his spot in the Astros’ rotation back in 2020.  In each of those six seasons, Valdez has ranked no worse than eighth in baseball in innings per start, averaging at least 6.1 per outing.  In 2025, the typical start lasted less than 5.2 innings,” wrote the MLBTR staff.

The Astros have extended a qualifying offer to Framber Valdez to return to their staff, but it’s highly unlikely he will take that, and it’s also unlikely he will return to Houston. There seemed to be some growing frustration between Valdez and the Houston Astros towards the end of last season, which may be a reason why he has one foot out the door already. However, Framber was stellar in his time with the Astros, leading them to a 2022 World Series title. Valdez has pitched 175+ innings in each of the last four seasons, and his ERA does not eclipse 3.75 in those years.

Why are the Giants a Good Fit?

The San Francisco Giants feature name-brand players at the top of their rotation in Robbie Ray and Logan Webb, but their starters really thin out after that. The Giants are expected to have a big offseason, backed by Buster Posey’s first offseason as the new president of baseball operations.

They have shown a willingness in the past to go after these high-profile free agents, and that shouldn’t change this offseason. The Giants have the payroll ability to make a run for Valdez; it’s just a matter of both sides reaching an agreement. Pitching in Oracle Park shouldn’t be an issue either for Valdez, who gives up very few home runs as it is.

Valdez has become a true groundball pitcher, as nearly 60% of the outs he records are via a ball hit on the ground. The Houston Astros are a team that is hesitant to give out big contracts, and that’s not expected to change with Framber’s recent free agency sweepstakes. Keep an eye on the Giants to make a splash for the durable and consistent southpaw.

More MLB on Heavy:

• Bold Prediction Has Giants Landing Twins’ 3.42 ERA Starter

• Phillies Trade Idea Lands Orioles’ 2X All-Star as J.T. Realmuto’s Replacement

• Recent Dylan Cease Prediction Features $189 Million Contract Projection

 

 

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