Pirates Pursue Framber Valdez: Latest on Free Agent Pitcher & Offseason Moves

Pirates Aggressively Pursue Astros’ Framber Valdez in Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making a significant push to add Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez to their roster, according to people briefed on the matter. Despite previous struggles to secure offensive upgrades this offseason, the Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of the 32-year-old pitcher.

The potential acquisition of Valdez would bolster what is already considered a strength for the Pirates: their starting rotation, headlined by National League Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes. A key factor in Pittsburgh’s pursuit is the presence of new pitching coach Bill Murphy, who has a long-standing relationship with Valdez, having coached him throughout much of his professional career with the Astros, both in the minor and major leagues.

However, the Pirates may ultimately serve as a leverage point for other teams more willing to offer Valdez the type of short-term deal with opt-out clauses he is reportedly seeking. Several other clubs remain interested, including the Baltimore Orioles, who have been linked to Valdez throughout the offseason, as well as the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.

The Braves would forfeit the highest draft pick – currently 26th overall – if they were to sign Valdez, who rejected a qualifying offer. The Pirates, in contrast, would sacrifice the 44th overall pick, a cost they appear willing to bear to land a pitcher of Valdez’s caliber, even on a shorter-term commitment. Pittsburgh already holds the fifth and 34th overall selections in the upcoming draft.

While prioritizing Valdez, the Pirates continue to explore options to improve their offense, reportedly targeting designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. They have faced repeated setbacks in their attempts to add offensive firepower this offseason, having been outbid for players such as Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suárez. Their only significant offensive addition to date has been first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn, who signed a two-year, $29 million deal.

To create roster space and potentially free up funds, the Pirates traded starting pitchers Johan Oviedo (for Jhostynxon Garcia) and Mike Burrows (for Brandon Lowe) earlier in the offseason. If signed, Valdez would join a projected rotation featuring Skenes, Mitch Keller, and two younger starters, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler.

Murphy’s extensive history with Valdez is a significant element in the Pirates’ pursuit. He joined the Astros organization in 2016, the same year Valdez signed with the team after coming over from the Dominican Republic. This established relationship is seen as a potential advantage in attracting the veteran left-hander to Pittsburgh.