The San Francisco Giants continue to surface in conversations surrounding Framber Valdez, even after seemingly finalizing their starting rotation earlier this offseason.

MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported that the Giants have intensified discussions regarding the veteran left-hander, a development that stands out given San Francisco’s recent additions of Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle to round out the staff.

On paper, the Giants appear set. Logan Webb anchors the rotation, while Robbie Ray is expected to play a significant role as he returns to full strength.

Houser and Mahle were brought in to provide stability and depth, giving the club five established starters heading into spring training. For that reason, the idea of pursuing another high-profile arm like Valdez has raised some eyebrows.

Valdez remains one of the most accomplished starters still available. Since emerging as a full-time member of the Houston Astros’ rotation, he has been among the league’s more reliable innings-eaters.

In 2025, Valdez logged 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA, continuing a run of consistency that dates back several seasons.

While he is often labeled as a ground-ball specialist due to his heavy sinker, his strikeout totals suggest more swing-and-miss ability than his reputation implies, as he fanned 187 hitters last year.

From a purely baseball standpoint, adding Valdez would significantly elevate San Francisco’s rotation.

A trio featuring Webb, Valdez, and Ray would give the Giants a formidable top end, particularly in a postseason setting where elite starting pitching can swing a series. That upside explains why national reporters continue to float San Francisco as a potential suitor.

Still, skepticism remains. Giants president of baseball operations Zack Minasian has publicly expressed confidence in the current group of starters, and local reporting has not echoed the same level of urgency suggested by national insiders.

Financial considerations also loom large. Even on a shorter-term deal with opt-outs, Valdez is expected to command a salary near the top of the market, potentially north of $30 million annually.

Given the Giants’ cautious approach to spending on starting pitching this winter, it is difficult to envision them meeting that price.

While the connection to Valdez is intriguing and would undeniably strengthen the roster, it appears more likely that San Francisco is monitoring the market rather than aggressively positioning itself to make a splash.

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