Red Sox Seen as "Perfect Fit" for Houston Astros Ace
The Houston Astros could be on the verge of moving their ace Framber Valdez this winter if the right trade prospect crops up. It's a move that is shocking considering the Astros have been perennial World Series contenders and have dominated the American League West for years.
But that type of success comes with a price, both financially and in player development as the farm system has been depleted after numerous postseason runs.
Moving Valdez would help Houston get under the luxury tax threshold and restock their farm system according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Where could Valdez end up?
According to one outlet, the ace is seen as a perfect fit for the Boston Red Sox.
"Boston's farm system comes in at number 16 in that same ranking. The Red Sox also have a surplus of bats in their system, but are "as thin as any organization in terms of pitching talent." Eventually, the Red Sox are going to have to make some tough decisions on which prospects they envision contributing to the franchise long-term, and which prospects they should shop as valuable trade chips in exchange for MLB talent," writes Chowder and Clams' Ryan Bunton.
"Valdez has been a consistent presence at the top of the Astros' rotation over the past few seasons, earning back-to-back All-Star game nods, and finishing ninth in the Cy Young voting in 2023 and fifth last season."
Houston could probably get a solid return from a middling Red Sox farm system, but it would take some of their big young guns to make it happen.
If the Astros do indeed move Valdez, they will need to ensure a big enough haul that they won't need to do a complete tear down. If that is the case, Houston can still contend for the AL West title and potentially still have a shot at another World Series appearance in 2024.
