MLB trade rumors: Boston Red Sox could sign $180 million Houston Astros All-Star to replace Lucas Giolito as rotation upgrade

The Boston Red Sox are entering a crucial offseason with one clear mission - finding a top-tier arm to stabilize their starting rotation. With Lucas Giolito expected to opt out of his deal and test free agency, the Sox could turn to a proven ace as his replacement.According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez could be the perfect answer. The left-handed ace, who made $18 million this season, is projected to be one of the biggest names on the free-agent market this winter.

Boston Red Sox Eyeing a Major Pitching Upgrade

Rymer suggested that Boston could land a significant upgrade over Giolito by targeting Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star known for his elite ground-ball pitching and consistency in big moments.

However, there’s a key caveat - the Boston Red Sox’s defense.“Because their infield ranked fourth from the bottom of MLB with -20 Outs Above Average, the Red Sox aren’t an ideal match for Valdez’s ground-ball style. But with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow committed to improving the defense, the Boston Red Sox could add Framber Valdez as part of a broader project,” Rymer wrote. (H/t: Sporting News)

That emphasis on defensive improvement could prove pivotal.

Boston’s struggles with infield efficiency often turned routine plays into costly errors, making a pitcher like Valdez - who thrives on grounders - a challenging fit unless changes are made.

Framber Valdez’s 2025 Season in Review

Framber Valdez’s season was a tale of two halves. Before the trade deadline, he was nearly unhittable. However, the latter part of the season saw a noticeable dip in performance.Period Record ERA WHIP Strikeouts Innings Pitched NotesPre-Deadline 11-4 2.62 — 141 — Dominant form, top-tier productionPost-Deadline — 3.66 1.245 187 (season total) 192 Struggled late, showing fatigueOverall 13-11 3.66 1.245 187 192 Two-time All-Star seasonDespite the “meltdown” late in the year, as Rymer described, Valdez’s numbers remain impressive.

His ability to command innings and keep runs in check has made him one of the most reliable arms in baseball.

Why Valdez Fits Boston’s Vision

If Boston upgrades its infield defense this winter - something Craig Breslow has reportedly prioritized - Valdez becomes a compelling fit behind young ace Garret Crochet. The duo would offer a formidable one-two punch that few opposing lineups would enjoy facing.Key reasons Framber Valdez could be an ideal addition: • Ground-ball dominance reduces home run risk at Fenway Park • Durability with nearly 200 innings pitched per season • Playoff-tested experience with Houston • Left-right rotation balance when paired with CrochetWith Valdez on board, the Boston Red Sox could instantly solidify their top rotation spots while continuing to rebuild a team capable of contending in the AL East.

The Road Ahead for Boston Red Sox

While nothing is official yet, the Boston Red Sox exploring Framber Valdez would signal their intent to move beyond stopgap solutions. Even if negotiations don’t pan out, Boston will continue hunting for what Rymer called their “White Whale” - a dependable and dominant No. 2 starter.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies could target $210 Million New York Mets first baseman to to replace Kyle Schwarber and shift Bryce Harper back to the outfieldFor now, the offseason spotlight shines on Framber Valdez and whether Boston makes the bold move to pair him with Crochet. As Rymer concluded, “Hopefully, the Sox give it a go, just to see what he would want, and if they could get the defensive upgrades they need for Valdez to work.”