Framber Valdez Bio
Framber Valdez (born November 19, 1993) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros. Valdez signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2015 and made his MLB debut in 2018. Nicknamed “La Grasa” for his fashion style, Valdez had a breakout year in 2022, making his first MLB All-Star appearance and winning the World Series with the Astros.
Early Life and Background
Framber Valdez was born in Palenque, San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic. He began pitching at the age of 16, showing early promise in the sport. Valdez faced challenges in his youth, including multiple teams withdrawing offers due to concerns about his physical health. Despite these setbacks, he persevered and continued to develop his skills as a pitcher.
Path to Baseball
Valdez signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent on March 19, 2015, for a $10,000 bonus. At the time, he was five years older than most amateur free agent signings from his country. His journey to professional baseball began when two Astros scouts discovered him during a tryout at their Dominican academy. After overcoming initial medical concerns, Valdez made his professional debut in 2015 with the DSL Astros, where he showcased his potential on the mound.
Framber Valdez Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Valdez’s early career included time in the minor leagues, where he played for various teams within the Astros organization. He split the 2016 season between the Greeneville Astros, Tri City ValleyCats, Quad Cities River Bandits, and Lancaster JetHawks, achieving a combined record of 4–5 with a 3.19 ERA over 73+1⁄3 innings. In 2018, Valdez was promoted to the major leagues for the first time, making his debut on August 21. He finished his rookie season with a record of 4–1 and a 2.19 ERA over 37 innings.
Breakthrough (2022)
Valdez experienced a significant breakthrough in 2022, becoming the Astros’ Opening Day starter and earning his first selection to the MLB All-Star Game. He also received the All-MLB First Team honor that year. Valdez’s performance was instrumental in leading the Astros to the World Series title, where he was the winning pitcher in both Game 2 and the decisive Game 6. He set an MLB record with 25 consecutive in-season quality starts during the season, showcasing his consistency and skill on the mound.
Notable Works and Milestones
Valdez’s signature achievements include being a World Series champion in 2022, a two-time All-Star in 2022 and 2023, and a member of the All-MLB First Team in 2022. He also pitched a no-hitter on August 1, 2023, against the Cleveland Guardians, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Framber Valdez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Framber Valdez has received multiple nominations for prestigious baseball awards, reflecting his impact on the game and his performance on the field.
Framber Valdez Awards Won
Valdez has won several notable awards, including the World Series championship in 2022 and selections to the All-MLB First Team and the MLB All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023. His achievements highlight his status as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Framber Valdez Family
Framber Valdez is married and has three children. His family has been supportive of his baseball career, with his father witnessing his performance in the major leagues for the first time during the 2022 World Series.
Personal Life
Valdez is a Christian and has made charitable contributions, including a $100,000 donation to help build a church in his hometown. He is known for his unique approach to pitching, having taught himself to throw left-handed despite being naturally right-handed. This adaptability has contributed to his success as a pitcher in Major League Baseball.