Braves blockbuster trade idea would land Astros $18 million All-Star

The Atlanta Braves certainly could lose one of their top pitchers this winter.

Atlanta's biggest decision of the offseason will center around ace Max Fried. The two-time All-Star has spent the first eight years of his career with Atlanta, but that could be coming to an end this winter.

Fried will be a free agent and will be highly sought-after. There is a chance that Atlanta could bring him back to town. But if they fail to do so, they will need to bring another pitcher to town in some capacity.

There could be plenty of players on the trade market this winter, and Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer suggested that the Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez could be a trade candidate and mentioned the Braves as a fit.

"Astros general manager Dana Brown isn't explicitly saying he'll need to trim salaries this winter, but it sure sounds like he'll have to do just that," Rymer said. "To this end, Framber Valdez stands to make $17.8 million via arbitration next year.

"It's far from a bad rate for a pitcher of his stature, but the Astros could do a lot (i.e., re-sign Alex Bregman or add bullpen pieces) if they set that money free. There's also the reality that Houston is relatively well off with starting pitching. Potential Fits: Atlanta, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets."

Valdez is entering his final year of arbitration and is projected to make just about $18 million. He will be a free agent at the end of the season and likely could be on the move. He's a fellow two-time All-Star left-handed pitcher. Maybe he could replace Fried if Houston is open to a move.

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