Houston Astros GM Says He IS Discussing Long-Term Pacts With 2 More Stars

 

New Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown is getting down to business in short order since taking over the reins last month. First, he signed emerging star pitcher Cristian Javier to a long-term extension, now there's word that he's looking at locking up two other young All-Stars.

#Astros GM Dana Brown said he has discussed long-term contracts with the agents for Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez in recent weeks. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 16, 2023

According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi, Brown says he has discussed long-term contracts with the agents for Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez in recent weeks. 

This news from Brown flies in the face of comments made earlier this week from Valdez's agent, Ulises Cabrera. He was adamant that no discussions whatsoever have taken place.

“That is 1,000 percent categorically false,” Cabrera said two days ago. “I haven’t even had a conversation with (Brown) with respect to Framber Valdez. There are no negotiations."

Interesting. Someone is doing a little fabrication... Or media "massaging" perhaps, as a negotiating ploy?

Regardless, the Astros certainly would do well to lock those players up. Valdez was an All-Star in 2022, going 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA. He had a 194:67 strikeout-to-walk ratio in a league-leading 201.1 innings. 

Tucker is a potential 30-30 man this season, as he posted 30 home runs, 25 stolen bases, 107 RBIs and an .808 OPS in 2022. It was the second straight 30-HR season for the former No. 5 overall pick in the MLB Draft (2015). Tucker just turned 26. 

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