Blue Jays Keep an Eye on Framber Valdez

Summary:

• Toronto is among several teams linked to free agent left-hander Framber Valdez.
• Valdez is seen as the top arm still available after turning down a qualifying offer.
• The Jays already have rotation depth but may still be exploring upgrades.

The Toronto Blue Jays is just one of the several teams checking in on free agent left-hander Framber Valdez, according to Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Valdez is widely viewed as the top remaining name on the market. He and right-hander Zac Gallen are the only two free agents still available who turned down the $22.05 million qualifying offer earlier in the offseason, which might help explain why interest remains strong even this late.

The All-Star Player Can Handle Big Moments

At 32, Valdez has been a steady presence in the Astros’ rotation for years. Last MLB season, he went 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA over 31 starts, striking out 187 hitters in 192 innings. 

Those numbers line up well with what he has done since becoming a full-time starter in 2020. Over that span, he owns a 3.23 ERA, has been named an All-Star twice, and built a reputation as someone who can handle big moments.

That was on full display in 2022, when Valdez played a key role in Houston’s World Series run. He posted a 1.46 ERA across two starts in the Fall Classic, helping the Astros beat the Phillies in six games. 

Overall, the eight-year veteran has a 3.36 ERA across 188 regular-season appearances, a track record that continues to make him attractive to contenders looking for rotation help.

Busy Transfer Season 

Toronto has already been active this winter, especially when it comes to pitching. The headline move was a seven-year, $210 million deal for Dylan Cease, a clear sign the front office wanted to make a statement. 

The Jays also brought in right-hander Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million contract, and Shane Bieber chose to opt into his $16 million player option.

As things stand, Toronto has a deep group of starters under contract for the upcoming season. Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios are all in place, with Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis also returning after combining for 29 starts last year.

Whether that depth keeps the Blue Jays from making another big move remains to be seen. However, their reported interest in Valdez suggests they are still looking closely at any chance to upgrade, even with a rotation that already appears well stocked.