The New York Yankees have gotten off to a promising start in their 2025 World Series quest, despite losing key players like Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, and Clay Holmes. A bold offseason strategy has paid early dividends, with new additions like Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt, along with several emerging young talents, helping to support franchise cornerstone Aaron Judge. However, if there’s one area in need of strengthening, it’s the starting rotation. While Fried and Carlos Rodón have performed well, the injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil have left the rotation thin—something that could become a major concern in the postseason.
To address that weakness, Sam Bernardi of Heavy proposed a potential trade in which the Yankees acquire left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez from the Houston Astros in exchange for outfield prospect Everson Pereira and right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter. Bernardi notes that while Sandy Alcantara remains a dream target, Valdez might be a more realistic and suitable option.
Valdez has been one of MLB’s top lefties in recent years, with All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023 and multiple Cy Young votes. Although he has struggled slightly in 2025 with a 3.94 ERA over eight starts, he has recently begun to regain his form. With free agency looming at the end of the season and a projected $70 million contract on the horizon, Valdez may be obtainable at a reasonable trade cost.
Bernardi acknowledges the concern some Yankees fans may have over Valdez’s price tag, but emphasizes the urgency of maximizing Aaron Judge’s prime years. Trading Pereira, who’s performing well in Triple-A but blocked in a crowded outfield, and Beeter, who showed promise in a brief MLB stint, could be a worthwhile move to secure an elite playoff-caliber starter.
Importantly, the proposed trade would preserve top prospects George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, allowing the Yankees to bolster their rotation for a deep postseason run without sacrificing their most valuable young assets.
