HOUSTON — Just months after José Altuve shocked the baseball world with his lifetime contract with the Houston Astros, Framber Valdez — the pitching ace — has officially signed a permanent deal, making him the franchise’s next immortal icon. The news, announced by the Astros at a press conference this afternoon, immediately sparked a wave of emotions among the fan community and stunned the entire MLB.
According to sources, Valdez’s permanent contract is said to be worth more than $200 million, putting him among the league’s most committed and loyal pitchers. With this signature, the Houston Astros not only maintain their rotation pillars, but also affirm their strategy of building a team around loyal faces, instead of following short-term trading trends.
“I don’t need to look elsewhere. This is my family, this is my home, and I want to finish my career in Houston,” Valdez said, his voice breaking in the crowd of reporters. “If Altuve shows the way, then I will follow, and together we will keep the Astros the pride of the city.”
The deal comes just months after Altuve committed for life, making the Astros one of the few teams to have two permanent contracts for their biggest players. If Altuve is the offensive icon, Valdez is the heart of the bullpen — the man who has saved the Astros in some of the most intense games.
Last season alone, Valdez recorded 17 wins, a 3.21 ERA, and more than 200 strikeouts, helping Houston maintain its status as a serious contender in the American League. This achievement makes him irreplaceable — and the lifetime contract is simply an official confirmation.
Immediately after the announcement, social media platforms exploded. One fan wrote: “The Astros don’t just build teams, they build legends. Altuve and Valdez are here forever — this is a new golden era!”
Meanwhile, experts consider this a wise and bold move. ESPN analyst commented: “Not many teams dare to sign pitchers to lifetime contracts, because of the risk of injury. But with Valdez, the Astros believe they are investing in both talent and loyalty.”
By continuously tying down Altuve and Valdez, the Astros are sending a strong message: they don’t just want to win another championship, but also want to build a legacy that lasts for decades. In an era where free agency can sweep away any star, Houston chooses to keep the spirit of the team and the city.
“We don’t just keep players, we keep icons,” President Jim Crane emphasized. “Fans deserve to see their legends hang up their gloves as Astros.” And in Houston, a truism is slowly taking shape: after Altuve, now Valdez, the living legends of the Astros are writing the team’s endless golden chapter.
Leave a Reply