Blue Jays ranked as best suitors for landing this Astros star pitcher

Regardless of the outcome of the Toronto Blue Jays' 2025, as soon as it ends there will be work to do on next years roster. This front office has long beholden itself to making the Blue Jays a team that is a consistent competitor, and playing into October is more of the norm.

This offseason will be pivotal to making that happen as the Blue Jays have a number of options on their to do list, including resigning one of the biggest free agents in their own superstar, shortstop Bo Bichette. But the Blue Jays have also had their names floated on the rumor mill ahead of the offseason for other free agents. A recent projection for this upcoming offseason was made that can help the Blue Jays' starting pitching.

Blue Jays named top suitor for Astros' Valdez

Recently, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report wrote an article titled "Ranking Astros SP Framber Valdez's Top 10 Landing Spots Ahead of MLB Free Agency." Rymer named the Blue Jays as the best landing spot for Valdez.

While Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage are going to be relied on in 2026, there is concern with the Blue Jays' starting pitching in the offseason. Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and Shane Bieber will all be free agents, and if the Blue Jays lose one or more of those three players, Valdez would be more than a solid replacement.

"Valdez would be perfect for the team, as he could slot in between Gausman and Yesavage in 2026, and then take the former's place atop the rotation after his contract expires at the end of next season," Rymer said about Valdez.

In 188 games pitched with 166 of them being starts, Valdez has recorded a 3.36 career ERA in a six year career with the Astros. Valdez is a workhorse, as he has thrown over 175 innings in each of the last four years, and even surpassed 200 innings in 2022. In two of the past three years, Valdez has recorded an ERA under 3.

2025 was Valdez's toughest season with the Astros with finishing the year with a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings pitched, but he was still one of the Astros' top pitchers. Valdez is also a two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion. Signing Valdez would also help him reunite with his former Astros teammate George Springer in Toronto.

Valdez is not the only free agent who has been linked to the Blue Jays that has ties to the Astros and Bleacher Report also projected Toronto to be potential landing spot for former Astro Kyle Tucker.