The Milwaukee Brewers’ front office may need to pivot its focus toward bolstering its starting rotation, especially as the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches. While the team has held its own in the standings thanks to a solid year from Freddy Peralta, there’s a noticeable lack of depth behind him. Addressing that gap—either through a trade or by dipping into free agency—should be a top priority if Milwaukee hopes to make a serious postseason push.
One name drawing interest around the league is Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, who’s widely expected to be one of the top free agents this winter. FanSided’s Drew Koch recently highlighted Valdez as a perfect fit for the Boston Red Sox, but the Brewers should also enter the conversation. With Houston struggling to lock him up long-term, the left-hander is increasingly likely to test the open market, making him a legitimate target for any team in need of rotation help.
Valdez, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, continues to prove he’s among the most reliable arms in baseball. Through 15 starts in 2025, he owns an 8–4 record, 3.09 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts in 96 innings—a level of consistency Milwaukee has been sorely missing beyond Peralta. His performance would instantly elevate the Brewers’ rotation and bring postseason experience to a relatively young staff.
Spotrac projects Valdez’s next contract at $23.6 million annually, likely over a three-year term totaling $70.7 million. While that number may give Milwaukee pause, especially given its historically tight payrolls, the investment could be justified by Valdez’s durability and elite production. The Brewers have rarely dipped into top-tier free-agent pitching, but this offseason may call for an exception.
Houston’s inability to extend Valdez opens the door for other suitors, and Milwaukee may find themselves in a rare position to capitalize. With a few contracts set to expire and potential flexibility opening up for 2026, the Brewers could make a compelling case—especially if they make a strong postseason showing that signals their contention window is still open.
In the end, signing Valdez would send a message that Milwaukee is serious about competing in October—not just making it there. The cost may be steep by Brewers standards, but the potential reward—solidifying the rotation with a battle-tested lefty—could be the move that puts them over the top.
