Framber Valdez pens heartfelt farewell to Houston Astros and fans

Former Astros ace thanks city and supporters as he prepares for first season with Detroit Tigers

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Framber Valdez, who spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros, took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt farewell message to the city of Houston and the team's fans. Valdez, who recently signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be an Astro and the support he received from the team's loyal fanbase over the years.

Why it matters

Valdez was a key part of the Astros' rotation for the past five seasons, emerging as one of the best starting pitchers in baseball. His departure marks the end of an era for the Astros, as they lose a homegrown talent who was a fixture in their starting rotation and a fan favorite.

The details

In his farewell message, Valdez, whose teammates call him "La Grasa" for his off-the-field fashion, thanked the city of Houston and the Astros' fans for their support and for helping him become the player and person he is today. Valdez, a 32-year-old from the Dominican Republic, signed with the Astros as an international free agent at 21 and made his MLB debut in 2018, eventually becoming one of the team's top starters.

  • Valdez signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers earlier this month before spring training opened.
  • Over the past five seasons from 2021-25, Valdez ranked first among major-league pitchers in wins, fifth in innings, and third in quality starts.

The players

Framber Valdez

A 32-year-old starting pitcher who spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros before signing a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers this offseason.

A.J. Hinch

The current manager of the Detroit Tigers, who was also Valdez's manager when he made his MLB debut with the Astros.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Houston, I want to say thank you for giving me the chance to be an Astro, and for being part of the family since the beginning. Thank you for the love you gave me and for helping me in becoming the man and the player I am today. To my fans, thank you for your support through all this years, and I'm grateful for my time being an Astro. Thank you for trusting in me all this years. God bless you all! 'La Grasa' Valdez.”

— Framber Valdez (Instagram)

“The timing of God is perfect. As with most players, you always strive to stay with the team that you came up with. But, again, the timing of God's work is perfect, so this was the moment for this opportunity to happen in my life. And I'm excited for it.”

— Framber Valdez (Press conference)

What’s next

Valdez will make his debut for the Detroit Tigers when the 2026 MLB season begins in April.

The takeaway

Valdez's farewell message to Houston and the Astros' fans highlights the strong bond he developed with the city and organization over his seven-year MLB career. His departure marks the end of an era for the Astros, but his gratitude and appreciation for the team and its supporters show the lasting impact his time in Houston had on him.