Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias delivers in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard) The Atlanta Braves are being linked more and more to Framber Valdez as the left-hander enters free agency following the 2025 season. No agreement is in place, but league conversations continue to point toward Atlanta as a serious contender.Atlanta’s interest is not hard to understand. Injuries disrupted the rotation throughout 2025, forcing the team to rely on short-term fixes and depth arms. With expectations still centered on competing deep into October, the front office is widely expected to pursue a dependable starter who can handle a full workload.
Why Atlanta Braves Keeps Coming Up
Framber Valdez became a free agent on November 2, 2025, after declining the qualifying offer from the Houston Astros. Since then, several contenders have been connected to him, but Atlanta Braves have remained a constant name in the discussion.One reason is familiarity. Martin Maldonado, who caught Valdez for years in Houston, now works in the Braves’ front office. While that alone does not drive decisions, it adds comfort when evaluating a pitcher expected to command a long-term deal. 
Contract projections place Valdez in the $160-200 million range over five or six years. For Atlanta, that fits the need created by injuries to Spencer Strider and Reynaldo López during the 2025 season.
How a Signing Could Look
This would be a free-agent signing, not a trade. A commonly discussed structure is five years and around $175 million, possibly with an opt-out after the third season. Houston Astros would receive draft-pick compensation, while Atlanta would keep its prospect depth intact.Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has been clear about wanting a top-end starter. Valdez’s ground-ball approach aligns well with Truist Park and would help stabilize a rotation that struggled to stay healthy.
What Each Side Gets
For Atlanta, Valdez offers consistency. He has regularly pitched close to 200 innings and brings postseason experience, including a key role in Houston’s 2022 championship run. His presence would reduce pressure on younger pitchers and allow Strider to return without being overextended.Valdez would gain long-term security and a move to a National League contender. Houston, meanwhile, avoids committing major money to an aging arm while adding draft capital to support a younger core.
Framber Valdez Performance Snapshot
The Risk Side Involved in This Trade
Valdez turns 33 during the 2026 season, and his final stretch in 2025 showed signs of fatigue. His walk rate has also been an issue at times, which could be tested by patient lineups in the NL East. The contract size would further tighten Atlanta’s payroll as extensions for current pitchers approach.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees predicted to sign $33.6 million Toronto Blue Jays star to bolster rotation along with title hopesIf Atlanta moves forward, the rotation becomes far more stable overnight. Valdez secures his long-term deal, Houston gains future assets, and the balance in the NL East shifts. Nothing is done yet, but the connection remains strong.