The Los Angeles Angels have been one of the more active organizations so far this offseason, and it would be a disservice to Angels fans if the team didn’t make more moves to try and compete in 2026 and beyond.
Los Angeles has signed a few reclamation project-type pitchers in former All-Stars Alek Manoah, Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz to help fill in the gaps but should go further.
The Houston Astros signed top Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $63 million deal with opt-outs after the first two seasons, signaling that the team is moving on from two-time All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez.
Valdez, 32, is the best free agent starting pitcher remaining and now can pretty much choose his ideal team and take his time. It may sound odd that either party would have interest in the other, but this move would accomplish more than just filling a roster spot for Los Angeles.
The Angels are showing that they want to contend next season and beyond after missing the playoffs for 11 consecutive seasons, even if their moves thus far are low-risk and not too exciting on the surface.
Signing your rival’s former ace would be an excellent way of sticking it to them and gaining an edge in the division. Valdez may be interested in that as well, and he would be a great fit for the Angels.
The 2022 World Series champion has been one of the best starting pitchers in Major League Baseball for several years and is known for being durable. He has made at least 28 starts in four straight seasons, including three seasons in which he made 31 starts.
Valdez’s ERA has been higher than 3.66 just one time, his first full season in 2019 when he made 26 appearances (eight starts). Once he was a full-time starter in the COVID-shortened season in 2020, Valdez dominated hitters on his way to an incredible 4.8 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Since that season, Valdez has been a reliable ace for Houston. Los Angeles should be interested in any quality free agent, but they should put all their eggs into this basket and ruffle the feathers of their rival. Valdez would immediately anchor the starting rotation and give the Halos a chance to contend in 2026.