Philadelphia Phillies Eye Framber Valdez, Top Free Agent Starter
The Philadelphia Phillies have been quiet in free agency thus far, but with just under a month to go before pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, they appear desperate to strengthen their rotation. The team's interest in signing a top starter has intensified following several recent signings around the National League.
In theory, it would be surprising for the Phillies to invest heavily in a bonafide ace after letting Ranger Suárez leave for Boston last week. However, an MLB insider, Jon Morosi, recently stated that the Phillies are not entirely ruling out Framber Valdez, the top remaining free agent starter.
Valdez, 32, has been a key contributor to the Astros' contending pitching rotation for eight years, boasting a career 3.36 ERA and four Cy Young award nominations. The Phillies would benefit from his stability, particularly with Cris Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo already established as their southpaw options.
However, Valdez's presence in the rotation could hinder the development of top prospect Andrew Painter, who is vying for the fifth starter spot. Furthermore, signing him could also impact Zack Wheeler's availability if he recovers from offseason surgery, while Aaron Nola's bounceback from a dismal 2025 season remains uncertain.
The market value for Valdez seems to be around $26 million per year, comparable to Suárez's deal with Boston. The Astros also tagged Valdez with a qualifying offer, which would result in the Phillies losing more draft picks if they sign him.
While it appears counterintuitive at first glance, adding Valdez would undoubtedly enhance the Phillies' rotation. As February and spring training approach, it remains to be seen whether the Phillies will make another splash by targeting either Valdez or Cody Bellinger.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been quiet in free agency thus far, but with just under a month to go before pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, they appear desperate to strengthen their rotation. The team's interest in signing a top starter has intensified following several recent signings around the National League.
In theory, it would be surprising for the Phillies to invest heavily in a bonafide ace after letting Ranger Suárez leave for Boston last week. However, an MLB insider, Jon Morosi, recently stated that the Phillies are not entirely ruling out Framber Valdez, the top remaining free agent starter.
Valdez, 32, has been a key contributor to the Astros' contending pitching rotation for eight years, boasting a career 3.36 ERA and four Cy Young award nominations. The Phillies would benefit from his stability, particularly with Cris Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo already established as their southpaw options.
However, Valdez's presence in the rotation could hinder the development of top prospect Andrew Painter, who is vying for the fifth starter spot. Furthermore, signing him could also impact Zack Wheeler's availability if he recovers from offseason surgery, while Aaron Nola's bounceback from a dismal 2025 season remains uncertain.
The market value for Valdez seems to be around $26 million per year, comparable to Suárez's deal with Boston. The Astros also tagged Valdez with a qualifying offer, which would result in the Phillies losing more draft picks if they sign him.
While it appears counterintuitive at first glance, adding Valdez would undoubtedly enhance the Phillies' rotation. As February and spring training approach, it remains to be seen whether the Phillies will make another splash by targeting either Valdez or Cody Bellinger.
I mean come on, 26 million a year for some dude who's been average at best? 
The Phillies are just throwing money around like crazy... I don't get it, they could've signed someone way more talented and affordable like Bellinger. And what's with all this talk about Valdez being the "ace" starter? That just sounds like something from a fantasy baseball guide 
. Give me a break!
. Can't they just let us post without all these notifications popping up? It's like they're more concerned with getting our attention than actually facilitating a discussion.
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He's got that ace vibe goin' on and would bring some much-needed stability to their rotation 
. Plus, think about how he'd fit in with Sánchez and Luzardo - it'd be like a southpaw dream team 
! But, gotta wonder if signing him would stifle Painter's growth... 
still cant get over the fact that Bryce Harper left phillies last yr. anyways about this valdez guy... i think he would be a great addition to the team, esp with cris sánchez and luzardo already in rotation but u gotta feel 4 painter who's vying 4 the 5th starter spot 
They gotta strengthen their rotation ASAP! 
but idk bout impacting Andrew Painter & Zack Wheeler 
& Aaron Nola's bounceback is still a mystery 
Maybe they'll go 4-5 mil per year 
... They're just trying to keep us distracted while they secretly plan their next move 
. And what's up with the market value? $26 million a year? That's like, highway robbery! 
. Maybe they should've spent the money on some new position players or something...
. But tbh, it does seem kinda counterintuitive after letting Suárez go 
The Phillies are definitely taking a risk but if it pays off... 
what do u think? should they go all in on valdez and risk messing with their prospects or play it safe and stick with what they got?
valdez might not be the worst idea... i mean, their rotation is whack rn 
but u gotta wonder about painter & wheeler's health tho 
maybe they're just trying to make up for letting suarez go? 
! I mean, they did let Suárez go for Boston, but at the same time, Valdez is like a dream signing 
... stability in the rotation would be huge, especially with Sánchez and Luzardo already on board. But yeah, it does make you wonder about Painter's development and how it could impact the team's future 
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He's like the ultimate ace, right?! 
And $26 million per year? WORTH IT!!! 
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! The only thing that's got me worried is Painter and Wheeler's availability, but I trust the Phillies' org to figure it out 
. And $26m/year isn't too steep if you ask me