Framber Valdez mound as staff ace in Houston

If ever there was a team that could afford to lose a Cy Young winner like Justin Verlander, it’s the Houston Astros.

Indeed, the ‘Stros rode a talented pitching young staff through the postseason to an 11-2 record, culminating with their second World Series championship in five years. But now as the 2023 season gets going with Verlander gone to the Mets in free agency, there must be a new ace on the hill at Minute Maid Park.

Submitted for your consideration: Framber Valdez.

Lost in Verlander’s dominant return from Tommy John surgery in 2022 was the emergence of the 29-year-old lefty as a legitmate force. His numbers were stellar: a 17-6 wonlost record with a 2.82 ERA, 194 strikeouts and only 67 walks in 201.1 innings for a WHIP of 1.16.

In the postseason, he was even better, going 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four postseason starts, including 2-0 in the World Series. Additionally, he placed fifth in Cy Young voting and was the winning pitcher in the All-Star Game. Now as the clear No. 1, the Dominican says he’s ready to shoulder the load as staff ace. With that usually comes pressure, but Valdez says it’s something he welcomes.

“Obviously, we have a lot of great pitchers and I want to try to be the guy to lead those guys,” he said. “I feel very responsible for that. I know there will be a little weight to carry, but it’s something I’m willing to do.”

Valdez will likely be on the mound at Minute Maid Park when the Astros open the 2023 regular season against the Chicago White Sox Thursday, March 30, on ESPN.