Framber Valdez, the standout pitcher for the Houston Astros, is taking his first steps into free agency after eight seasons. As talk of a possible 2026 return swirls, the spotlight is on whether Houston’s top hurler will strike a new deal or seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

Joe Musgrove, the San Diego Padres’ right-handed pitcher, missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. While he did not undertake any minor league rehabilitation starts, Musgrove remains intent on pitching competitively before Spring Training of 2026.