Framber Valdez (SP/RP, HOU) - Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Andrew Ericksen analyzes Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez as a waiver wire pickup or add target for Week 12 of the 2019 fantasy baseball season. Valdez has been excellent since joining the Astros' rotation.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 39% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Since joining the Houston Astros pitching rotation, Framber Valdez has made two starts, both quality starts, allowing three earned runs across 13 innings while striking out 15 and walking just two. He has reduced his walks significantly from last year. In 2018, he had a walk rate of 15.6%, yet this season, he’s lowered that mark to 9.3%. He’s also made great strides in lowering his barrel rate. Valdez was already at a solid clip of 3.3% in 2018, but this year, he’s been among the best in the league at maintaining a low Barrel rate with a 2.8% mark.

Valdez likely isn’t going to go too deep into games. Five or six innings should be the standard as long as he’s continuing to pitch effectively. Yet with the Astros offense supporting him, that should have him in line for a number of wins going forward and he likely won’t suffer too many tough losses if he’s limiting runs. He should be added in all 12+ team leagues as well as AL-only leagues and for more shallow leagues, he’s a worthy add as well if you’re hurting at pitcher. His next start will be a challenging one on the road against the Yankees on Thursday.