Framber Valdez imposes salary mark for Latin pitchers in arbitration

ByDavid Mitchell
Framber Valdez imposes salary mark for Latin pitchers in arbitration

  • Enrique Rojas, Senior Writer AM850 DigitalJan 9, 2025, 10:45 p.m.

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      • Worked as a baseball analyst for the television program “Súper Deportes” in Santo Domingo • Associated Press (AP) correspondent in the Dominican Republic. • Currently, he is a senior writer for ESPNdeportes.com

The Dominican and the Houston Astros reached an agreement for the last year of eligibility for salary arbitration before the player can declare a free agent.

Dominican pitcher Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a salary of $18 million for the 2025 season, which will be the left-hander’s last before opting for free agency in Major League Baseball, sources said to AM850.

Valdez, who earned $12.1 million last season, is represented by Dominican agent Ulises Cabrera of Octagon. His salary is the second-highest earned by an arbitration-eligible pitcher, behind the $19.75 million earned by left-hander David Price with the Detroit Tigers in 2015.

Valdez, 31, was the Astros’ best pitcher in 2024, when he went 15-7 with a 2.91 ERA in 28 starts and finished seventh in American League Cy Young Award voting.

In seven years in the Major Leagues, Valdez is 68-41, with a 3.30 ERA, 866 strikeouts and 15.1 WAR in 888.2 innings.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.