After eight memorable seasons with the Houston Astros, Framber Valdez is set to hit the open market. The soon-to-be 32-year-old lefty made 166 starts for the Astros, pitching to the tune of a 3.36 ERA and 3.51 FIP while finishing top 10 in Cy Young voting three times.
Valdez has turned into one of the more consistent arms in baseball, pitching at least 175 innings in each of the past four seasons, all with an ERA in the mid-3.00s or lower. Although he has the stuff to strike batters out, Valdez has relied on an elite groundball rate to limit damage and baserunners, which should age well for his next contract.
Author's summary: Framber Valdez hits the open market.