MLB insider links Astros to former All-Star Game starting pitcher

The Houston Astros are coming off a season where they missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. To make matters worse, they are at risk of losing their ace pitcher, Frambert Valdez, in free agency. 

Valdez will become a free agent when the season concludes and could generate quite a market. He will be one of the top arms on the open market, and fans may see a bidding war for his services. 

During his eight seasons with Houston, Valdez held together an 81-52 record with a 3.36 ERA over the course of 1080.2 innings of work. He was vital to the club's success over the years, and whether he re-signs with Houston or not, fans will remember him for being one of the most consistent over the years. 

MLB insider links Astros to former All-Star Game starting pitcher

While Valdez will lead the starting pitcher market over the winter, there are still some other intriguing names on this list. Zac Gallen is one of those, even if this past season was not too kind to him. 

The 2023 All-Star Game starting pitcher was not at his best with the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, putting together a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA across 192 innings pitched. However, MLB insider Jim Bowden believes he could be a great fit for the Astros. 

If Gallen was able to return to the pitcher he was just a few years ago, this could be quite the addition to Houston's rotation. Maybe a change in scenery could be all he needs to revamp himself and return to being one of MLB's most-feared righties.

More Astros news:

• Former MLB GM predicts Padres landing World Series champion pitcher in blockbuster deal
• Astros-Brewers trade idea features 2.70 ERA starter as Framber Valdez replacement
• Twenty years later Phil Garner reflects on Astros first World Series run
• Jim Crane’s Astros face expensive choices as 2026 roster rebuild begins
• Former White Sox pitcher linked to the Astros in free agency