Houston Astros Agree to One-Year Contracts with Six Players, Including Valdez and Tucker

The Houston Astros have reached agreements with six players on one-year contracts, successfully avoiding arbitration. The players include All-Star left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez and outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Valdez and Tucker Secure Lucrative Deals

Framber Valdez will earn $12.1 million for the upcoming season, while Kyle Tucker will receive a salary of $12 million.

In addition to Valdez and Tucker, the Astros have also finalized contracts with outfielder Chas McCormick ($2.85 million) and pitchers Bryan Abreu ($1.75 million), Luis Garcia ($1,875,000), and José Urquidy ($3.75 million).

Valdez’s Stellar Performance

Framber Valdez has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the American League over the past two seasons. He has been selected for the All-Star team and finished in the top 10 of the AL Cy Young Award voting in both years. Valdez recorded a 3.45 ERA and a 12-11 win-loss record in the previous season.

Tucker’s Impressive Stats

Kyle Tucker, a two-time All-Star, showcased his exceptional skills last year. He led the American League with 112 RBIs, hitting .284 with 29 home runs and 30 stolen bases.

While most players successfully reached agreements, utilityman Maurico Dubón remains the only Astros player eligible for arbitration who failed to secure a deal. Dubón requested $3.5 million, while Houston offered $3 million during the salary proposal exchange for the 2024 season.

Dubón still has the opportunity to negotiate a contract with the club before a hearing. Players without agreements will have hearings scheduled before three-person panels from January 29 to February 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona.