Rangers Predicted to Pursue $18 Million Two-Time All-Star Framber Valdez to Strengthen Rotation
The Texas Rangers are expected to make a strong push this offseason to bolster their starting rotation after missing the playoffs due to a string of injuries. Following their 2023 World Series triumph, the team is now focused on returning to championship contention — and one major addition could help them get there.
According to FanSided’s Mark Powell, the Rangers could target Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star who’s anticipated to test free agency this offseason.
“Valdez had a 3.66 ERA last season, his worst since 2020,” Powell wrote. “He’s consistently been a sub-4.00 ERA pitcher and one of the top rotation arms in baseball. For Valdez, signing with Texas would allow him to stay close to Houston while avoiding state income tax — a potential win-win for both sides.”
Valdez finished the 2025 season with a 13–11 record, 3.66 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, and 187 strikeouts over 192 innings. Before a late-season slump following the trade deadline, he had posted an impressive 11–4 record with a 2.62 ERA and 141 strikeouts, reaffirming his reputation as a front-line starter.
Analysts believe a move to Texas could provide Valdez with a needed change of scenery while keeping him in a familiar environment. If the Rangers can bring him on board, he would join a talented rotation featuring Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, forming one of the most formidable pitching staffs in Major League Baseball.
With their core still intact and new leadership in place, the Rangers’ front office appears ready to make aggressive moves aimed at returning to World Series contention in 2026.
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