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The consensus best pitcher on the open market this winter is Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez. Despite recent controversy when he seemingly crossed up his catcher, Cesar Salazar, on purpose, he is likely to be the most sought-after arm on the market this offseason.
Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated tagged the American East-leading Toronto Blue Jays as a potential fit for the left-hander. The Blue Jays have often played second fiddle to other teams in recent offseasons, as they have attempted to bring in high-priced free agents but have consistently fallen short in the end.
This time, the Blue Jays might not be the ones that lose out on the top option of the winter. Leading the American League East and fighting for the top seed in the American League with the Detroit Tigers, the Blue Jays have established themselves as a playoff and World Series contender in a stout American League.
With two starting pitchers hitting free agency from the Blue Jays’ current rotation, the team is going to have to make a move in the winter to fill up the spots left behind if they decide not to retain Max Scherzer or Chris Bassitt. Valdez could be the top target to solidify a rotation that brought in Shane Bieber at the trade deadline this season.
Valdez is a two-time All-Star and has a championship pedigree, winning the World Series with the Astros in 2022. Could he finally be the fish that the Blue Jays keep on their line in the offseason?
More MLB: Astros Ace Marked as Potential Offseason Fit for Defending Champion Dodgers
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