Part 6/9:
Framber Valdez's season outlook sparks another critical conversation in Astros camp. The chatter around whether he will receive a contract extension or possibly be considered for trade brings attention to the team dynamics as ownership has historically not committed extensive financial guarantees to pitchers. With Valdez poised to be a prominent figure in the rotation, his performance could dictate not only the team's playoff ambitions but also his future earnings in the free-agent market.
Historically, the Astros have managed to perform admirably even amid roster upheaval, as witnessed last year when they clawed their way into another playoff berth despite a poor start. The question now remains: can they replicate that resilience in a competitive division?