Should Astros Consider This Trade Package For Their Ace Valdez?

If the Houston Astros are serious about moving Framber Valdez for the right price this offseason then this could be something they consider.

After the offseason looked like it was going to be a quiet one for the Houston Astros, reports that they might be interested in moving their ace Framber Valdez put the spotlight back on what could get done this winter.

With the Astros in "win now" mode, it's strange they would consider trading one of their best starters.

However, with limited financial flexibility and a barren farm system, moving Valdez would positively impact both of these issues.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report put together an interesting trade proposal that would have Houston sending their ace to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left-handed starter Nick Lodolo, reliever Fernando Cruz and their No. 5 overall prospect, third baseman Cam Collier.

"The Reds have a notable surplus of talented infielders, but that's not really what the Astros need. This trade suits them because it would net them a lefty with huge upside in Lodolo and, in Cruz, one of the game's more underrated swing-and-miss relievers," he writes.

This is definitely an intriguing trade package.

After this season, the 26-year-old Lodolo would have three years of club control remaining. Cruz is still in pre-arbitration for two more seasons and Collier is a 19-year-old mega-talent who was the Reds' first round pick in 2022.

The Astros would get back a starter who could help them in their current window, along with a bullpen piece, while also getting a future third baseman to address the Alex Bregman uncertainty.

Whether Houston's front office views this as enough of a return to trade their ace ahead of the season is unknown, but it could be a starting point to engage in discussions.