If the writing’s on the wall in Houston, it’s starting to spell out a future without Framber Valdez. The left-hander, a key piece of the Astros’ rotation in recent years, appears headed for free agency, and while nothing’s official yet, the buzz around the league suggests Houston is preparing for life after Valdez. And that means they’ll need to find a way to fill some very big shoes on the mound.

Enter Freddy Peralta – a name that’s starting to gain traction as a potential trade target for the Astros. The idea isn’t just wishful thinking.

It’s rooted in a very real need: Houston’s rotation, beyond Hunter Brown, is filled with question marks. If Valdez walks, Brown becomes the de facto ace, but he can’t carry the load alone.

That’s where a guy like Peralta could make a lot of sense.

Let’s break it down.

Why Freddy Peralta Fits the Astros’ Needs

Peralta isn’t just a solid starter – he’s coming off a season where he finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting. That’s no small feat.

He posted a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, and racked up 204 strikeouts over 176.2 innings. Those are frontline numbers, and they’re exactly the kind of production the Astros would need to stabilize their staff.

And here’s the kicker: he’s affordable. The Brewers owe him just $8 million in 2026, the final year of his contract before he hits free agency.

In a market where top-tier starters are commanding north of $20 million annually, that’s a bargain. For a team like Houston, which has some financial flexibility but isn’t looking to break the bank, Peralta’s contract is a major plus.

There’s also the matter of control. Even if Peralta is technically a rental, the Astros would be getting him for at least one more year – and potentially longer if they can work out an extension. That gives them time to evaluate their long-term pitching situation while still contending in the short term.

What’s Standing in the Way?

Of course, there’s one major obstacle here: the Brewers may not be ready to deal.

Milwaukee is still very much in the mix in the NL Central, and with Peralta anchoring their rotation, they’ll have a hard time justifying a trade unless they’re blown away by an offer. The Brewers haven’t won a World Series in franchise history, and with a competitive roster, they might prefer to hold onto their top arms and make another run at it.

That said, if Milwaukee does decide to pivot – whether due to payroll considerations or a shift in direction – Houston could be one of the first teams at the table.

What Happens If the Astros Don’t Land Peralta?

If the Astros miss out on Peralta, they’ll be forced to lean on some less proven arms. Jason Alexander and Ronel Blanco could see increased roles, but neither has the track record of a reliable No. 2 starter. The team recently acquired right-hander Mike Burrows, and while there’s some upside there, he’s more of a long-term project than an immediate solution.

The bottom line? If Valdez leaves, Houston can’t afford to stand pat.

They need a pitcher who can slot in behind Hunter Brown and give them a chance to compete deep into October. Peralta checks a lot of boxes – performance, cost, and control – and while there’s no guarantee he’ll be made available, he’s exactly the kind of arm the Astros should be targeting.

In a rotation that could be heading into transition, Peralta might just be the steadying force Houston needs to stay in the championship hunt.