MLB Scout Explains How Framber Valdez Throwing at Catcher Could Impact Free Agency

Prospective suitors for free-agent pitcher Framber Valdez will look beyond the numbers when they weigh up an offer for the southpaw.

One MLB scout told The Athletic's Eno Sarris and Chandler Rome they'd specifically bring up the moment when Valdez was perceived to have thrown at catcher César Salazar.

"I'd ask him about that day," the scout said. "And if I didn't like the answers, I'd be out."

Back in September, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported one team "already crossed Valdez off their list of free agent candidates" because of what happened between him and Salazar.

Valdez gave up a grand slam in the fifth inning of a 7-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Sept. 2. One batter later, he threw a 93-mph sinker that hit Salazar directly in the chest.

Pitchers and catchers getting crossed up isn't uncommon. Catchers don't usually take a mid-90s pitch to the torso when that happens, though, and Valdez had no reaction when his throw struck Salazar.

That's why Valdez's denials fell on deaf ears for some.

His representatives seem to understand what they're up against this offseason as the two-time All-Star seeks a new contract. Sarris and Rome reported his agents prepared a video to show to any interested teams.

"What may stand out about the video created by Valdez's team, and his free-agency pitch in general, is how much of it is dedicated to analyzing Valdez's background and character — 80 seconds into a 25-minute video, the content switches from on-field results to flushing out what kind of person Valdez is," per Sarris and Rome. "Valdez's results on the mound are indisputable. What his team wants to ensure potential suitors is that his makeup matches his on-field results."

Somebody is going to sign Valdez. Over the last five years, he has maintained a 3.20 ERA and a 3.40 FIP while logging at least 130 innings in each season. That kind of consistency isn't easy to find.

But general managers will closely scrutinize the 32-year-old before they make a concrete offer.