Yankees Trade Proposal Could Bring Astros Ace to the Bronx
The New York Yankees are off to a strong start in their quest to return to the World Series. Despite offseason losses like Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, and Clay Holmes, an aggressive roster overhaul has paid early dividends. With newcomers like Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt stepping up—alongside a wave of young talent—the team is shaping up as a serious contender. Still, if there’s one area that could use reinforcement, it’s the starting rotation.
Fried and Carlos Rodon have been solid, but injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil have tested the team’s depth. And as history shows, deep pitching is critical for postseason success. With that in mind, Heavy.com’s Sam Bernardi proposed a potential blockbuster: the Yankees trading for Astros left-hander Framber Valdez.
Bernardi suggests a deal that would send outfield prospect Everson Pereira and pitcher Clayton Beeter to Houston in exchange for Valdez. “For those still hoping for Sandy Alcantara, that door remains open, but Framber Valdez might make even more sense,” he wrote.
Valdez has been a top-tier starter in recent years, earning All-Star nods in 2022 and 2023 and receiving Cy Young consideration in each of the last three seasons. Though he’s started 2025 with a 3.94 ERA through eight games, he’s begun to round into form. Importantly, he’s set to hit free agency after this season and could command a $70 million deal, according to Spotrac. That looming contract could make him more attainable in trade talks.
At age 31, Valdez is expected to draw significant interest this winter, which has some Yankee fans wary. But as Bernardi points out, Aaron Judge is in the middle of a historic stretch—and the team should do everything possible to take advantage of his prime years.
While Pereira has impressed in Triple-A, the Yankees already have an outfield logjam. Beeter showed flashes in his 2024 debut, but a chance to land a proven playoff-caliber starter may be too good to pass up. Best of all, this move would preserve top prospects like George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones while providing the rotation a serious boost for a postseason run.
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