Astros GM Discusses Valdez, Bregman Following Major Trade…
Astros general manager Dana Brown addressed the media shortly after completing one of the franchise’s most significant trades in years. The team sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith. Brown provided insights into the team’s plans moving forward.
One major topic was ace Framber Valdez. While reiterating the front office’s willingness to consider offers for any player, Brown made it clear that trading Valdez is unlikely. “We’re not aggressively trying to move him, but we’ll listen,” he said (via Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle). “If you ask me if I think we’re going to trade Valdez, I don’t think we’re trading Valdez. He’s a pillar, and it’s really tough to keep a rotation intact. We believe he’s going to remain a key part of ours.”
Both Valdez and Tucker became subjects of trade rumors earlier in the week after Brown admitted the team was open to listening to offers for all players. However, Brown’s comments suggest the Astros are less inclined to trade Valdez now that Tucker has been dealt. The primary reason for considering trades for either player was to reduce payroll ahead of their final arbitration-eligible seasons. The Tucker trade saves Houston around $9 million — the difference between Tucker’s and Paredes’ projected salaries — and lowers their luxury tax estimate to $225 million, roughly $16 million below the base threshold.
Valdez is projected to earn $17.8 million in arbitration, according to MLBTR’s Matt Swartz. With Tucker’s departure easing payroll concerns, the Astros are under less pressure to move Valdez unless a particularly appealing offer arises. Such an offer would likely need to mirror the Tucker deal, providing MLB-ready talent and at least one notable prospect. While Brown confirmed there have been no recent extension talks with Valdez, he emphasized that the team remains focused on competing for the AL West title in 2025, making a trade solely for minor league prospects unlikely.
The Tucker trade also prompted questions about Alex Bregman’s future. Although the deal frees up some payroll flexibility, it also brought Paredes, who could serve as a fallback option at third base. Brown, however, said the trade hasn’t significantly impacted Bregman’s status. “Pretty much, Alex Bregman’s status remains the way it is,” he stated (via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com). “Nothing has changed since the last time I talked to you guys. It’s still pretty much the same as Tuesday.”
Despite Paredes’ ability to play third base, he has also logged significant innings at first base, making him a versatile option for Houston’s infield. While Paredes’ value lies primarily in his offensive contributions, he could move to first base without much impact on his effectiveness. Currently, the Astros’ first base options include a potential platoon of Jon Singleton and Zach Dezenzo.
Brown also confirmed the team is actively seeking a bat to strengthen the lineup. While replacing Tucker’s production is unlikely, the Astros are exploring options in the first base and corner outfield markets, with a particular focus on adding a left-handed hitter. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, potential targets include switch-hitter Jurickson Profar and left-handed bats like Max Kepler and Alex Verdugo, all of whom remain unsigned.
For now, the team expects Chas McCormick to start in right field and Jake Meyers in center, leaving left field as a potential area for reinforcement. Brown emphasized that while Tucker’s departure reshapes the roster, Houston remains committed to building a competitive lineup for the upcoming season.
