The New York Yankees have pulled the trigger on a much-needed pitching move, acquiring Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez after a series of disappointing starts from Will Warren. With Warren posting a 5.17 ERA through his first four outings and struggling to pitch past five innings in any start, the Yankees’ front office knew they needed a solution.
Valdez, who had been struggling early in the 2025 season with a 4.91 ERA, became the Yankees’ target. His season has been a rollercoaster—while he dominated in his first and third starts, throwing 13 shutout innings combined, he also surrendered 12 earned runs in just nine innings in his second and fourth appearances. Despite these rough patches, Valdez had an outstanding 2024 campaign, finishing with a 2.91 ERA in 28 starts, showing signs of his previous brilliance.
Valdez’s strikeout numbers were up this season, sitting at 9.8 K/9, and despite Houston’s defense behind him being lackluster, his FIP of 3.37 suggested that his performances hadn’t been as poor as his ERA implied. With the Astros struggling in the American League West and Valdez set to hit free agency at season’s end, the Yankees decided to make a move, securing the left-hander before the trade deadline.
For the Yankees, this acquisition gives them a much-needed boost to their rotation and a potential long-term solution as they continue to navigate the season.
