RADIO
Framber Valdez 2023 Player Outlook: Proven Contributor with Improving Strikeout Rate
2 years agoIt was a career year for the Astros' lefty as he posted a sweet 2.77 ERA on a 1.15 WHIP. He once again got it done primarily with the ground ball (67.4% GB%), but in 2022 he also raised his strikeout rate to a more palatable 23.5% - right around the league average. His K-BB% came up to 15.4% from his 2021 mark of 11.9%, so that's a great sign to see. Framber also posted the best SwStr% of his career at 12.1%, although that number is right around league average so it's nothing to write home about. All of this was good news for Framber and makes him a viable top 30 or so SP. He will continue to limit runs with his elite ground-ball ability, so any positive move in the strikeout category will make a significant difference for the better. The Astros profile to be a great offense once again, and Valdez knows how to get deep into games - giving him a great projection in wins and quality starts. He's a bummer in leagues where strikeout rate matters, but other than that - Valdez is solid and can be drafted at his current price (around a 90 ADP) without much second thought.
