The Giants might be eyeing a major addition to their rotation – and the name on the radar is Framber Valdez.
Valdez, a two-time All-Star and one of the more unique arms in the game, has reportedly surfaced as a potential target for San Francisco. Giants broadcaster and former MLB pitcher Mike Krukow weighed in on the rumors during an appearance on KNBR 680’s Murph & Markus, and he didn’t hold back his enthusiasm.
“I hope so,” Krukow said when asked about the Giants going after Valdez. “I think he’s one of the top pitchers in the game, and I like his style because he’s extremely unique.
High three-quarter release, big curveball – one of the best in the game – Clayton Kershaw-type curveball. He not only gets strikeouts, but he gets ground balls.”
That last part is key. Valdez isn’t just a strikeout artist – he’s a ground ball machine.
His sinker is one of the most effective in the league, and when it’s on, it keeps hitters pounding the ball into the dirt. Add the fact that he’s a lefty, and you’ve got a profile that would fit nicely in Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions.
“What’s not to like?” Krukow added.
Of course, no free agent comes without questions, and Valdez’s 2023 season included a moment that raised a few eyebrows. In a September game against the Yankees, Valdez appeared to miss a signal from catcher César Salazar.
The result? A grand slam off the bat of Trent Grisham.
Just two pitches later, a visibly frustrated Valdez hit Salazar in the chest protector with a sinker – an incident that drew plenty of attention and speculation.
Krukow, who’s been in those high-pressure moments on the mound, didn’t mince words when reflecting on it.
“Once you make a mistake like that, you never make it again,” he said. “Because you realize you just made yourself the biggest hemorrhoid in baseball, and that’s the last thing you want to do.”
Still, Krukow made it clear that one emotional misstep shouldn’t define Valdez – or scare teams away.
“I don’t think it’s an issue as you go forth with this guy,” he said. “I think he atoned for it.
I think he felt bad for it. He made a terrible mistake, but I don’t think that’s gonna hurt any club from wanting this guy, and that would include the Giants.”
And the numbers back up why teams – especially the Giants – would be interested. Since the start of the 2022 season, Valdez has made 121 starts, posted a 3.21 ERA, and punched out 750 batters. That’s not just durable – that’s frontline production.
Plugging Valdez into a rotation that already features Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Adrian Houser would give the Giants a legitimate top-four with a mix of power, finesse, and experience. Webb is the established ace, Ray brings Cy Young pedigree, and Houser adds depth and innings.
But Valdez? He could be the missing piece – the kind of left-handed weapon who can anchor a playoff rotation and dominate in October.
It’s still early in the offseason rumor mill, but if the Giants are serious about contending in a tough NL West, making a move for someone like Valdez would send a clear message. They’re not just looking to compete – they’re looking to win.
