Pirates Bolster Roster with Framber Valdez, Marcell Ozuna Signings

NL Central Rivals Gear Up for Competitive 2026 Season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Pirates' offseason acquisitions could shake up the NL Central power dynamics, setting the stage for an intense divisional battle in 2026.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made significant moves in free agency, acquiring top pitching talent Framber Valdez and power-hitting outfielder Marcell Ozuna. These additions, along with other offseason acquisitions, have transformed the Pirates into a more formidable contender in the NL Central, posing a challenge to the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Why it matters

The Pirates' offseason moves represent a shift in their approach, as they have historically struggled to field a competitive roster. These signings demonstrate a renewed commitment to building a winning team and could potentially shake up the balance of power in the NL Central, which has been dominated by the Brewers in recent years.

The details

The Pirates have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, who is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Houston Astros. They have also signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna to a three-year, $45 million deal, adding a proven power bat to their lineup. These moves, combined with the acquisitions of top prospects and other free agents, have significantly bolstered the Pirates' roster and have them poised to compete for a playoff spot in 2026.

  • The Pirates signed Framber Valdez on April 1, 2026.
  • Marcell Ozuna joined the Pirates on April 5, 2026.

The players

Framber Valdez

A left-handed starting pitcher who has spent the majority of his career with the Houston Astros, Valdez is known for his strong command and ability to induce ground balls.

Marcell Ozuna

A veteran outfielder who has played for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, Ozuna is a power-hitting slugger who can provide a significant boost to the Pirates' lineup.

Alex Bregman

The newly acquired third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Bregman is a five-time All-Star who has been a key contributor to the Astros' success in recent years.

Eugenio Suárez

The Cincinnati Reds' third baseman, Suárez is a consistent power hitter who has been a mainstay in the Reds' lineup for the past several seasons.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, Counsell has led the team to three NL Central division titles in the past four seasons.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Framber and Marcell to our roster. They're both proven veterans who will bring a lot of experience and talent to our team.”

— Ben Cherington, General Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates

“The NL Central is going to be a dogfight this year. The Pirates have made some big moves, and the Brewers can't take them lightly.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager, Milwaukee Brewers

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to monitor the free agent market and explore potential trades to further strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season. The team's performance in the early part of the season will be crucial in determining their long-term plans and whether they will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Pirates' offseason moves have transformed them into a more competitive team, potentially challenging the Brewers' dominance in the NL Central. This shift in the division's balance of power could lead to an exciting and unpredictable 2026 season, as the Pirates look to end their postseason drought and the Brewers aim to maintain their position at the top of the standings.