2025 Hypothetical Astros Trades Thread

dumb me had brown at 2 years of control. Yep, 3 years of brown is way beyond 1 of skubal, including for the dodgers.

 

That’s all fine and well, and the innings he provides have been way more valuable than most realize

But **** him, don’t want him

 

I understand- but the Astros do want him back if they can get him at a certain number.

While Framber isn’t Tom Seaver as a teammate or employee of his team - some of his issues are being over blown. Teams aren’t avoiding him because he crossed up his catcher or struggled the last two months. They are avoiding him because of how difficult he is when it comes to preparation and the amount of attention he requires… couple that with his age and teams don’t want to go to 5-6 years.

 

I want him back at the right number. If it is short-term for around $30M/yr, we should bring him back. If it is a 5-6 year deal with AAV around $25M, we should bring him back. If somebody wants to give him $200M, then that is great, I'll be happy for him and hope it isn't the freaking Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, or Mariners (and honestly I can only envision the Angels or Mets making that move).

How easily forget that he was arguably the most valuable player during our 2022 WS run. He was 3-0 and only gave up 4 ER across 4 starts, including 2-0 in the WS where he flat out dominated the Phillies. I will never quit loving the players that brought us rings.

 

Those sound like good reasons for the Astros to avoid him as well.

 

I guess my coaching background just gives me a different perspective

I’ve been to the state basketball tournament with a team that was talented, but not one of the 15 most talented in the state. But those kids loved each other, they loved playing with and for each other. Go back and watch the 2017 Astros and that’s what you see.

I’ve also had teams with WAY more talent that struggled to even get in the playoffs cause the whole mood showing up on a daily basis wasn’t good. I watched almost every game last year and didn’t see much love and enjoyment playing out

The locker room matters

And maybe you are right, maybe Dana and Joe want him back. But neither Dana nor Joe has seen a new season be more successful than the previous either

 

Still some love at some level for the ex wife too

Don’t want her back either

 

The Astros won a WS in 2022 and Valdez was a huge part of that. The 2022 team was better than the 2017 team.

Also there were issues with guys on the 2017 team disliking each other. The clubhouse was far from perfect.

I can’t predict the future - maybe Valdez gets hurt or has a mental breakdown. However he is an excellent pitcher that will go deep in games, pitch through pain and will benefit having three Gold Glove level fielders on the infield. He was also correct about his criticism of Astros positioning last year.

So if the Astros are fortunate enough to have Valdez fall in their lap - they will likely do it.

 

Okay, but don’t expect the Astros to get a player as good to replace him. There are some good pitchers they are talking to and with teams about - but none are as good as Valdez.

So if the Astros want to go from an 85-90 win team the last three years - you better count on exception health and a lot of internal improvement from young hitters and starting pitchers.

 

I do not really even consider Valdez to be a candidate due to payroll constraints.

 

Framber this year is Bregman last year. Smoke because he's not signed but we all know he's not coming back.

 

He isn’t likely - but he is more likely than 6 months ago or a month ago. It depends on how badly they want him, they have a few ways to clear payroll.