The Giants know they need another top-tier starter this winter, and they’re eyeing a left-hander who could form one of baseball’s most effective 1-2 punches with Logan Webb.
Webb’s been their clear ace, but that’s the problem – he’s their only clear ace. Robbie Ray, Landen Roup, and Justin Verlander gave them serviceable innings in 2024, but if you’re trying to compete in the National League, you need more than one guy you can count on.
That’s where Framber Valdez comes in. Andy McCullough of The Athletic thinks Buster Posey and the front office will make a serious run at the Astros’ free agent lefty, and it makes perfect sense when you think about it.
“The idea of pairing up Valdez, one of the game’s best sinkerballers, with Logan Webb, the best right-handed sinkerballer, is too good to pass up. The Giants are expected to land one of the major free agent pitchers this winter.”
What makes this pairing so appealing is how Valdez complements Webb. Both guys live off their sinkers, but they’re attacking hitters from different angles. Webb comes at you right-handed, Valdez from the left side. Same devastating ground ball approach, different looks.
Valdez brings eight years of big league experience to the table – 188 career appearances with 166 starts. At 32, he’s not some aging veteran looking for one last payday. He’s still in his prime.
This past season showed exactly what he can do. Valdez made 31 starts with a 3.66 ERA, going 13-11 for Houston. He threw two complete games, which is practically unheard of in today’s game. Sure, he had some rough outings mixed in, but that’s baseball.
The bigger picture is even better. Since 2021, Valdez has posted a 3.20 ERA across 143 starts. He’s thrown nine complete games in that span with 875 strikeouts over 902.1 innings. He’s not going to blow anyone away with velocity, but he doesn’t need to.
Valdez gets guys out by pounding the strike zone and letting his defense work. That sinker generates weak contact and ground balls, which is exactly what you want when you’ve got Matt Chapman and Willy Adames turning double plays behind you.
The Giants have been trying to build something sustainable, and adding Valdez would give them the kind of rotation depth they haven’t had in years. Webb and Valdez at the top, with the rest of the staff filling in behind them – that’s a formula that could work.
It’s also the type of move that signals the organization is serious about competing now. Posey’s first winter as president of baseball operations, and landing one of the better starters on the free agent market would send a clear message to the clubhouse and the fanbase.
The way McCullough sees it, Valdez represents their best opportunity to land that second ace they desperately need. Given what’s available this winter and what the Giants can offer, it’s hard to argue with that logic.
