Red Sox would land Framber Valdez from Astros in one-for-one trade pitch

The Boston Red Sox are decidedly in the market for a frontline starter.

Even after veteran southpaw Max Fried agreed to a $218 million deal with the New York Yankees, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow reaffirmed that the team is evaluating the remaining frontline options ahead of the 2025 season.

“We intend to remain engaged on top-of-the-rotation options,” Breslow said, according to the Boston Globe.

But with top free agents like Fried, Blake Snell and Nathan Eovoldi all accepting deals elsewhere, maybe it’s time for the Red Sox to turn to the trade market to land an ace. Reflecting on a blockbuster option who could be available, Heavy’s Jonathan Vankin proposed a one-for-one swap that would bring in Framber Valdez from the Houston Astros for first baseman Triston Casas.

“Entering his age 31 season, Valdez will play 2025 on a one-year, $18.8 million contract with the Astros and then would become one of the top free agent pitchers available for 2026,” Vankin wrote. “That means for the Red Sox, Valdez would probably be a one-year rental. They likely would not want to part with any of their top-level prospects for him. Casas, on the other hand, would fill a first base need for Houston.”

Valdez would instantly become the ace of the Red Sox staff as currently constructed. He’s a two-time All-Star who has earned Cy Young Award votes in four different seasons, with a 3.30 ERA across his seven-year career. In 2024, he maintained a 2.91 ERA across 28 starts.

But with his free agency looming after the 2025 season, the Astros might be looking to land some younger talent for him. The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reported that Astros general manager Dana Brown is “open to dealing” either Valdez or Kyle Tucker as they both enter their final seasons of arbitration eligibility.

Most teams would want some assurance that Valdez would sign an extension with them before giving up a lot of trade value for what could be a one-year rental. But if that’s off the table, a deal for Casas might be one of the best options for the Astros.

Houston has a significant need at first base after opening 2024 with José Abreu there and subsequently optioning him to the minor leagues. Casas could be an upgrade over the Astros’ remaining options, despite some injuries and offensive struggles in 2024.

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