The Houston Astros just finished the season in disappointment; they barely missed the playoffs after going 87-75 and being second in the AL West. Now, they have to address how that happened and what to do with the players who caused it.

According to Fansided’s Zachary Rotman, Astros ace Framber Valdez is at the top of his list. He believes Valdez won’t be returning to Houston, and his September meltdown is the driving reason.

“First and foremost, his meltdown in September will unfortunately always be part of the Valdez story in Houston. He seemingly intentionally crossed up his catcher in frustration after giving up a back-breaking grand slam, and then proceeded to post a 7.47 ERA in his next three starts. His attitude had been a topic of discussion in the past, and that incident might’ve damaged his reputation beyond repair in the Astros’ clubhouse,” Rotman wrote.

Rotman ended with the fact that the Astros have let their top stars walk in the past, so there’s not a lot stopping them from letting Valdez walk as well.

“Even if it didn’t, what are the odds that the Astros actually bring him back? From Correa to Gerrit Cole to George Springer to Alex Bregman, the Astros haven’t shied away from letting stars walk when the price is out of their range. Even with his September hiccup, Valdez is the best pitcher available this offseason, and should get paid handsomely as a result,” Rotman concluded.

Valdez finished the season with a record of 13-11, a 3.66 ERA, 187 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.245 over 192 innings pitched. Hopefully, the Astros find a way to bring him back; otherwise, they’ll need to find a way to replicate his production this offseason.