Why a World Series Champion Believes the Astros Must Find ‘Oil Money’ to Keep Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez has become an indispensable asset for the Houston Astros, and his performance on Opening Day against the New York Mets only reaffirmed his value. With a strong outing, Valdez helped the Astros defeat the Mets 3-1, even spoiling Juan Soto’s highly anticipated debut. As the ace of the staff, Valdez is primed for another stellar season in 2025, and his timing couldn’t be better.
The only catch? Valdez is playing through a contract year. As he nears free agency, the Astros face a significant challenge—securing their ace for the long haul. Valdez is expected to command a hefty salary if he enters the open market, and with numerous teams likely lining up for his services, the Astros need to act quickly.
Former World Series champion Dontrelle Willis has a strong opinion on how the Astros should handle the situation. In a conversation with Chron writer Leah Vann, Willis made it clear that the team cannot afford to let Valdez slip away. His advice? “Sell some brisket, do whatever you gotta do, to me, you can’t lose him,” he said. Willis emphasized how crucial Valdez is, particularly with the Astros’ pitching staff facing fierce competition from teams like Seattle. His ability to throw strikes and miss bats, combined with his resilience in the Astros’ hitter-friendly ballpark, makes him a must-have for Houston.
Willis pointed out that Valdez’s unique skill set is essential for the team, especially given the challenges of pitching in Minute Maid Park, where home runs can be a constant threat. Valdez has the ability to keep hitters at bay, and that’s something the Astros can’t afford to lose.
In Willis’ view, the Astros should do whatever it takes to keep Valdez in an Astros uniform, including tapping into Houston’s oil money if necessary. With Valdez’s potential to be a game-changer for the franchise, it’s clear that his future with the team is of the utmost importance. The Astros must make a strong push to lock down their ace and ensure he remains a cornerstone of their pitching staff for years to come.