The perfect $196 million contract Phillies must offer Framber Valdez to steal him from Astros
The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2026 season. Despite winning 96 games, the franchise fell short once again in the postseason, leaving their front office desperate for the missing piece that could finally deliver a World Series championship. That piece could very well be Framber Valdez. The Houston Astros’ two-time All-Star left-hander is now on the open market, and if the Phillies want to make a legitimate run at contention, they need to be aggressive in pursuit of one of baseball’s most consistent and durable starting pitchers.
Valdez has quietly established himself as arguably the most reliable starter available in this year’s free agency class. Over the past four seasons, he has pitched at least 175 innings every single year, demonstrating the kind of durability that has become increasingly rare in modern baseball. His 3.66 ERA in 2025 was a slight dip from his historical standards, but it masked an elite performer who was absolutely dominant in the first half of the season. Through 21 starts, he posted an 11-4 record with a 2.62 ERA and 141 strikeouts before an injury-plagued second half. The bottom line: Valdez is an ace-caliber pitcher who can anchor a rotation for years to come, and the Phillies desperately need exactly that.
The market for Valdez is heating up quickly. Multiple projections suggest he could command anywhere from six to seven years and $168 million to $196 million, with some analysts predicting an eight-year deal in the neighborhood of $218 million if his camp can match Max Fried’s recent blockbuster agreement with the Yankees. For the Phillies, being competitive in this market requires understanding what motivates Valdez and crafting an offer that addresses his needs while also making financial sense.
The Perfect Philadelphia Proposal: Seven Years, $196 Million
The Phillies should offer Framber Valdez a seven-year contract worth $196 million, averaging $28 million per year. This structure hits the sweet spot between being competitive in the current market while remaining fiscally responsible long-term. The deal would begin in 2026 when Valdez is 32 years old and would extend through the 2032 season, keeping him in the prime of his remaining career window.
Breaking down the annual structure is crucial. The Phillies should propose a front-loaded agreement that begins at $32 million in 2026, then gradually decreases to $26 million by the final year of the deal. This structure provides Valdez with immediate financial security while allowing Philadelphia to manage its payroll more effectively in the later years of the contract. The inclusion of performance bonuses for reaching certain innings-pitched thresholds and playoff appearances could add up to an additional $5 million per year, incentivizing him to stay healthy and competitive.
A critical component of this offer must include a full no-trade clause. For a pitcher of Valdez’s stature and age, this protection is essential. It signals that the Phillies are serious about keeping him through the duration of his contract and want him to feel secure in his new home. Additionally, the team should offer an option to extend the deal by two years at $25 million per season—essentially allowing Valdez a path to maximize earnings if he maintains his performance standards.
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