As the Winter Meetings really fire things up on Monday, a report out on Monday indicates that a very much in-demand free agent pitcher chatted it up with the San Francisco Giants.

Would Giants fans welcome Framber Valdez to the Bay Area with open arms?

According to a report at MLB.com and from MLB Insider Jon Paul Morosi, Valdez met with the Giants, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles at November's General Managers meetings. 

"With Dylan Cease off the board after signing with the Blue Jays, Valdez -- who owns a career 3.36 ERA in 1,080 2/3 career innings -- has a good argument for being the top available starting pitcher," the article indicates.

"In regards to San Francisco, there has been mixed reporting on whether the Giants will target high-level starters such as Valdez or if they will look for lower-priced free-agent options," according to MLB.com.

Valdez has put together quite a resume' during his time with the Houston Astros. He's known as a groundball pitcher thanks to his wicked curveball. With that ace in his pitching arsenal, Valdez is one of MLB's best pitchers to coax hitters into double plays.

At the same time, it should be pointed out that Valdez can be, at times, a bit of a head case. Just last season, when he gave up a grand-slam home run, Valdez appeared to cross up Astros catcher Cesar Salazar on the very next pitch. It hit Salazar squarely in the catcher's vest, leading Sanchez to look over to the Astros' dugout in a bit of disgust.

Don't look for Valdez to be a solid leader in any team's clubhouse, too. He's a veteran pitcher, yes, but Valdez isn't known as someone who passes down his knowledge to other players.

"Buster Olney of ESPN and Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic have each reported that San Francisco appears to be targeting lower-priced free-agent options rather than the likes of lefties Valdez and Ranger Suárez or Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai," the article indicates.

"The Giants could also be active in the trade market, with top prospect Bryce Eldridge potentially being an option in a trade, according to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle."

Valdez has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Astros. Last season, Valdez posted a 13-11 record with a 3.86 ERA. In the past five seasons, Valdez has thrown more than 100 innings so he's proven to be durable.

He struck out 187 while walking just 68. In 2023, Valdez struck out 200.

"It is also worth questioning whether the Mets will give Valdez -- or any of the top starting pitchers on the open market -- the type of deal they are searching for," the MLB.com article states.

"Although a true ace is the Mets' biggest need entering this week's Winter Meetings, the team is reluctant to offer a long-term contract to any of this year's best free-agent starters, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon," according to MLB.com. "The Mets would reportedly prefer to add to their rotation with someone on a shorter-term contract."

How much are the Giants in the hunt for Valdez? It depends on whether or not San Francisco wants to spend some money. There's no doubt that Valdez would be a welcome addition to the Giants' starting rotation.

The Winter Meetings just got a lot more interesting for Giants fans and players.

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