Toran FloresTue, November 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM UTC·2 min readAstros predicted to land 3.20 ERA lefty to replace Framber Valdez in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Astros may be looking in different directions after an awkward fall off with starting pitcher Framber Valdez this past season. It appears the two sides aren't on good terms, and the 32-year-old has a strong chance to get offered a new deal with a new team as a free agent.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat kind of other options could the Astros pivot towards this offseason? It appears that Hunter Brown will take over the ace duties for Houston next season after finishing with a 2.43 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 31 starts last season. The team tendered his contract for the 2026 season.
There are options for Houston this offseason, and an MLB insider believes they could pursue an already proven starter who was with the Philadelphia Phillies for the past eight years.
Astros predicted to land SP Ranger Suarez in free agency
The Athletic's Andy McCullough came up with the idea, saying, "He (Ranger Suarez) has produced a 3.59 ERA since 2022 while averaging 26 starts per season. He excels at missing barrels and producing weak contact. He is more of a craftsman than a flamethrower, which is the sort of pitching profile that ages well. And the Astros, as always, intend to contend and will be looking for someone to replace Framber Valdez."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSuarez, 30, has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, but this hasn't stopped him from being a starter who has pitched over 150 innings in three of the past four seasons.
He doesn't throw at the highest velocity, but his specific style prevents the batter from getting good contact with the ball. This is something that could put him in line for not just a long career, but a candidate to get a long-term deal with a new team.
Through 26 starts in 2025, Suarez finished with a 12-8 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP over 157.1 innings.
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