The Astros' Winning Pitching Decisions

Framber Valdez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher born on November 19, 1993, in Palenque, San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic. He signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2015 and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2018. Valdez quickly became a key member of the Astros' starting rotation, known for his durability and consistent performance on the mound[1][4]. Valdez earned the nickname "La Grasa" for his distinctive fashion style. His breakout year came in 2022 when he was named the Astros' Opening Day starter, selected as an MLB All-Star for the first time, and chosen for the All-MLB First Team. During that season, he set an MLB record with 25 consecutive in-season quality starts. That year, he played a pivotal role in helping the Astros win the World Series, pitching effectively in both Game 2 and the decisive Game 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies[1]. Over his MLB career through the 2025 season, Valdez has accumulated a win-loss record of 81-52 with a 3.36 ERA and over 1,050 strikeouts in more than 1,080 innings pitched. He has continued to maintain high performance levels, earning multiple All-Star selections (2022, 2023) and being recognized as the Astros' Pitcher of the Year in 2020 and 2023. He was also named to the All-MLB Second Team in 2024[2][5]. Off the field, Valdez is known for his commitment to his community, notably fulfilling a personal promise by investing approximately $100,000 of his own money to build a church in his hometown. He has expressed that this project is a deeply personal and spiritual endeavor rather than a business transaction[7]. As of the 2025 MLB season, Valdez remains an active and influential starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, contributing significantly to their competitive success[3][6].

Joe Espada is a Puerto Rican professional baseball manager and coach, currently serving as the manager of the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on August 30, 1975, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Espada played college baseball as a middle infielder at the University of Mobile, where he was a standout athlete in the mid-1990s. Although he reached as high as Triple-A as a player, he never appeared in the major leagues, transitioning instead into coaching and scouting roles early in his career[2][6]. Espada began his MLB coaching career with the Miami Marlins organization, serving as a minor league coach from 2006 to 2010 and as the Marlins’ third-base coach from 2010 to 2013. He then joined the New York Yankees as a scout and later as their third-base coach from 2015 to 2017. Following the Yankees tenure, Espada was hired by the Houston Astros as their bench coach in 2018, shortly after their first World Series title. During his five years in that role, he was a key clubhouse figure through seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances, helping to sustain the Astros’ status as a top MLB contender[1][4]. On November 13, 2023, Espada was promoted from bench coach to manager of the Houston Astros, succeeding Dusty Baker, who retired after a distinguished 26-year managerial career. This appointment marked Espada’s first major league managerial role. General Manager Dana Brown praised Espada’s leadership, character, and communication skills, calling him a perfect fit for the job. Espada expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the promotion as a "dream come true" and encouraging his family to pursue their own dreams with determination[1][2][3]. In his first season managing the Astros in 2024, Espada led the team to an 88–73 record (.547 winning percentage), continuing the franchise’s competitive legacy[5]. Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and connection to his Puerto Rican roots, Espada remains an influential figure both on and off the field, actively supporting youth baseball programs and serving as a role model in the Hispanic baseball community[6].

Ryan Pressly, born Thomas Ryan Pressly on December 15, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, is a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Pressly made his MLB debut on April 4, 2013, initially playing for the Minnesota Twins before becoming more prominently known for his tenure with the Houston Astros. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 207 pounds, he bats and throws right-handed. Pressly is primarily a relief pitcher and has established himself as a reliable bullpen asset over his career. As of the 2025 season, he has appeared in 667 MLB games without starts, recording a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.33, with 37 wins, 39 losses, 117 saves, and 721 strikeouts over 691.1 innings pitched. His career WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) stands at 1.18. In 2025, Pressly has struggled somewhat, posting a 4.35 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through 44 games with 5 saves[1][2]. Notable achievements include being a two-time American League All-Star (2019, 2021) and winning a World Series championship with the Houston Astros in 2022. He was also named to the All-MLB Second Team in 2022. Pressly has consistently ranked among league leaders in games played over multiple seasons, reflecting his durability and value as a late-inning reliever[3]. Most recently, Pressly was with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 but faced challenges, including being designated for assignment following a difficult stretch where his ERA rose above his career norms. This has put his immediate future in MLB uncertain, with the possibility of free agency if unclaimed on waivers[4]. Overall, Ryan Pressly is recognized as a veteran relief pitcher with a solid MLB track record, notable postseason experience, and contributions to a championship-winning team.

Roberto Osuna is a professional Mexican baseball pitcher born on February 7, 1995, in Juan José Ríos, Sinaloa, Mexico. Coming from a baseball family—his father pitched in the Mexican League for 22 seasons and his uncle played 11 years in Major League Baseball (MLB)—Osuna began his professional career in 2011 with the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League. At age 16, he was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays for a $1.5 million signing bonus, marking the start of his journey in North American professional baseball. Osuna quickly rose through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on April 8, 2015, at the age of 20. Known for his pitching versatility, he features a three-pitch mix that includes a fastball, slider, and changeup. Throughout his MLB career, he has been primarily used as a relief pitcher and closer. By 2019, Osuna had accumulated a career record of 14 wins, 18 losses, and an earned run average (ERA) around 2.74, with 155 saves over 314 games, highlighting his role as a high-leverage bullpen arm. After his tenure with Toronto, Osuna joined the Houston Astros, where he achieved a 2.46 ERA and 50 saves in 89 regular-season games through 2019. His performance with the Astros further established him as a reliable closer in the league. Osuna’s career has included notable achievements such as setting minor league strikeout records and ranking highly among MLB prospects. Despite some challenges, including injuries that required Tommy John surgery early in his career, he has maintained a strong presence as a professional pitcher. As of the most recent information, he remains active in professional baseball, continuing to contribute as a relief pitcher in MLB[1][2][3][5][6][7].