Astros Ace Has More to Prove in Spring Training Than Most Realize
The Houston Astros enter Spring Training with high hopes. Most of the team returns, and with the addition of Josh Hader, there isn't much of a reason for them to not be in a position to win a World Series.
Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Kyle Tucker are some of the names that should have massive seasons for an Astros team that's looking for revenge after losing in the ALCS.
However, there are still some question marks.
Verlander is reportedly behind schedule, Valdez had a rough second half, Alex Bregman is in a contract year, and Hader has to get used to a new city and team.
It won't be as easy as it might seem for Houston to be one of the top clubs in baseball this season.
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com says that Valdez has the most to prove in Spring Training this year. He writes that the left-hander's second-half and playoff performances leave room for some questions heading into 2024.
He went 5-5 with a 4.66 ERA in his final 14 starts. His postseason stats were rough, losing all three starts and posting a 9.00 ERA.
For the Astros to be the team they are aiming to be, Valdez has to be better than he was in the second half of last season. It's expected that he improves, but that simply can't happen again.
Valdez hits free agency at the end of the 2025 season, so these years matter for him for more reasons than one.
