"Framber Valdez, 32, SP, 3.8, 18.8: Valdez was impressively consistent for the Astros and should be able to choose between several multi-year offers. His age works against a long-term deal, but Sportrac estimated his AAV at $33.3 million, easily the highest among free-agent pitchers. Ranger Suárez, 30, SP, 4.7, 18.1: The left-handed Suárez is younger than most other free-agent starters and is coming off an excellent season. He has a 1.48 ERA over 11 postseason appearances."
"He is well-positioned to command a lucrative contract of up to six years. Expect him to sign with one of the teams with a high payroll. Zac Gallen, 30, SP, 1.1, 20.8: On the plus side, Gallen posted 56 wins over 126 starts the last four years for the Diamondbacks and he's only 30. On the negative side, his ERA has risen each of those four years, peaking in 2025 at 4.83."
Framber Valdez provided consistent production for the Astros and should receive multiple multi-year offers, though his age reduces long-term value; Sportrac estimated his AAV at $33.3 million. Ranger Suárez is a younger left-hander coming off an excellent season with a 1.48 postseason ERA over 11 appearances and could command up to a six-year contract, likely with a high-payroll team. Zac Gallen delivered 56 wins in 126 starts over four years but has seen his ERA rise each season, peaking at 4.83 in 2025, and projects to a multi-year deal near an $18 million AAV. Nick Martinez, Chris Bassitt, and Justin Verlander present diminishing-term or lower-value options based on age and recent performance.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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