How Chris Sale Trade Affects Houston Astros Potential Blockbuster Deal

The Houston Astros are reportedly listening to offers on their ace Framber Valdez this offseason with a potential to move him if they get the right return.

It would be an interesting move with this roster ready to compete for another World Series title in 2024, but it would free up more room financially and could set themselves up for future success.

While there is no update on anything regarding the Valdez situation, there was another blockbuster move that saw the Boston Red Sox trade their ace, Chris Sale, to the Atlanta Braves.

How does that affect the Astros?

On the surface, it doesn't tell too much.

The Red Sox got back 23-year-old Vaughn Grissom who was the Braves' No. 7 overall prospect back in 2022. He's spent parts of the past two seasons at the Major League level, but is not a player of note yet.

That would not be what Houston gets back for Valdez.

After all, Sale has dealt with injures stemming from Tommy John surgery that has limited him to 31 starts since 2019. He also has one more year of club control with a team option in 2025.

At this point in their careers, Valdez is the much more coveted pitcher.

He should generate a return that is more comparable to what the Chicago White Sox are reportedly looking for in return if they trade their ace Dylan Cease. That would be roughly three of a team's top-5 prospects in their farm system.

What the Sale deal does tell is that there are still teams who are interested in making deals for starting pitchers before the 2024 season begins.

This should have Valdez at the top of the list for those clubs wanting to land an elite starter.

Houston could get back a hefty return if they do decide to trade their ace because the options are becoming more and more limited.