25 Facts About Framber Valdez

Early Life and Background

Framber Valdez's journey to Major League Baseball is filled with interesting tidbits. Let's look at some facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in the Dominican Republic: Framber Valdez was born on November 19, 1993, in Palenque, a small town in the Dominican Republic. This region is known for producing many talented baseball players.

2. Late Start in Baseball: Unlike many professional players, Valdez didn't start playing baseball seriously until he was 16 years old. This late start didn't stop him from making it to the big leagues.

3. Signed by the Astros: In 2015, Valdez signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent. His signing bonus was a modest $10,000, a small sum compared to many other players.

4. No Formal Training: Before joining the Astros, Valdez had no formal baseball training. His natural talent and hard work helped him catch the eye of scouts.

Professional Career

Valdez's professional career has been marked by significant milestones and achievements. Here are some key facts about his time in the MLB.

5. MLB Debut: Valdez made his MLB debut on August 21, 2018, against the Seattle Mariners. He pitched 4.1 innings in relief, allowing just one run.

6. First MLB Win: His first major league win came just a few days after his debut, on August 26, 2018, against the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched five innings and allowed only one run.

7. 2020 Breakout Season: The 2020 season was a breakout year for Valdez. He posted a 3.57 ERA and struck out 76 batters in 70.2 innings.

8. Postseason Performance: Valdez has been a key player in the postseason for the Astros. In the 2020 playoffs, he had a 1.88 ERA over 24 innings.

Pitching Style

Valdez's pitching style sets him apart from many other pitchers. His unique approach and skills have contributed to his success.

9. Sinker Specialist: Valdez is known for his sinker, which he throws more than 50% of the time. This pitch has a lot of movement and induces many ground balls.

10. Curveball Mastery: His curveball is another weapon in his arsenal. It has a sharp break and is often used to strike out batters.

11. Ground Ball Machine: Due to his sinker, Valdez induces a high number of ground balls. In 2020, he had a ground ball rate of 60%, one of the highest in the league.

12. Control Issues: Early in his career, Valdez struggled with control, often walking many batters. However, he has improved significantly in this area over the years.

Personal Life

Valdez's personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the player. Here are some interesting facts about his life off the field.

13. Family Man: Valdez is very close to his family. He often credits his parents for his success and frequently visits them in the Dominican Republic.

14. Community Involvement: He is actively involved in his community. Valdez participates in various charitable activities, especially those benefiting children.

15. Humble Beginnings: Despite his success, Valdez remains humble. He often speaks about his modest upbringing and the importance of hard work.

Achievements and Records

Valdez has achieved several milestones and set records during his career. Here are some notable achievements.

16. Career-High Strikeouts: In a game against the Texas Rangers on September 27, 2020, Valdez struck out a career-high 11 batters.

17. First Complete Game: On May 30, 2021, Valdez pitched his first complete game against the San Diego Padres, allowing just one run.

18. All-Star Selection: Valdez was selected for the All-Star Game in 2021, a testament to his outstanding performance.

19. Top 10 in ERA: In 2020, Valdez finished in the top 10 in the American League for ERA, showcasing his pitching prowess.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Framber Valdez that fans might find interesting.

20. Nickname: Valdez is often called "La Grasa" by his teammates, which translates to "The Grease." This nickname reflects his smooth pitching style.

21. Superstitions: Like many athletes, Valdez has his superstitions. He always steps onto the field with his right foot first.

22. Favorite Food: His favorite food is a traditional Dominican dish called "La Bandera," which consists of rice, beans, and meat.

23. Music Lover: Valdez loves music and often listens to Bachata and Merengue, traditional Dominican music genres, to relax before games.

24. Role Model: He looks up to fellow Dominican pitcher Pedro Martinez and often studies his games to improve his own skills.

25. Bilingual: Valdez is fluent in both Spanish and English, which helps him communicate effectively with teammates and coaches.

Framber Valdez: A Pitcher to Watch

Framber Valdez has proven himself as a standout pitcher in Major League Baseball. From his humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to becoming a key player for the Houston Astros, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Valdez's impressive stats, including his high strikeout rate and low ERA, make him a formidable opponent on the mound. His unique pitching style, characterized by a devastating curveball, sets him apart from other pitchers. Off the field, Valdez is known for his dedication to his family and community, often giving back through various charitable efforts. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and talent. As he continues to evolve and refine his skills, there's no doubt that Framber Valdez will remain a significant figure in baseball for years to come. Keep an eye on this rising star; his best is yet to come.