Framber Valdez's bold 93-mph fastball after a Grisham grand slam sparks debate about clubhouse leadership and offseason leverage. One MLB club reportedly cooled talks, which could help Houston hold onto Valdez as free agency narrows. Valdez remains a core of Houston's rotation alongside Hunter Brown, carrying a 12-9 record with a 3.42 ERA and 171 Ks, keeping fantasy managers attentive to his durability and workload.

For fantasy, Valdez's mix and endurance maintain allure, even as the scandalous moment fuels chatter about loyalties and market value. Houston's stance—if they want him back—could shift late-season decisions and impact how investors in the Astros' staff view the pitching depth down the stretch.