Starting pitcher Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros agreed to a one-year, $18 million contract to avoid arbitration on Thursday, according to ESPN's

The Houston Astros signed their ace, Framber Valdez, but not to the deal that many believed would eventually happen.

The Houston Astros came to terms on one-year contracts for all eight of their arbitration-eligible players on Thursday, including star left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays avoided salary arbitration with a $28.5 million, one-year deal, while Framber Valdez and the Astros reached an $18 million deal.

The Houston Astros reached 2025 salary agreements with all eight of their arbitration-eligible players, a group including ace Framber Valdez, prior to Thursday’s deadline. Valdez will receive an $18 million salary in 2025,

The Astros and left-hander Framber Valdez have agreed to an $18MM salary to avoid arbitration, per a report from Chandler