Pittsburgh Pirates Emerge as Aggressive Suitor for Framber Valdez

The Pirates' pursuit of the star left-hander could shake up Valdez's free agent market.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Framber Valdez remains unsigned with less than a week until spring training, but a new suitor has emerged in the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to reports, the Pirates have become an "aggressive suitor" for the free agent left-hander, potentially shaking up Valdez's market.

Why it matters

The Pirates' pursuit of Valdez is surprising, as they have not made the playoffs since 2015. Adding Valdez to a rotation that already includes Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller could give the Pirates one of the best rotations in baseball and potentially catapult them into contention.

The details

The Pirates, who have been thwarted in attempts to add more offense this offseason, are now one of the most aggressive teams going after Valdez, according to reports. While the usual suspects like the Cubs, Orioles, Blue Jays and Padres remain in the mix, the Pirates' emergence as a suitor could force other teams to ramp up their offers for the left-hander.

  • Framber Valdez remains unsigned with less than a week remaining until pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

The players

Framber Valdez

A star left-handed pitcher who remains unsigned as free agency winds down.

Pittsburgh Pirates

A National League Central team that has emerged as an aggressive suitor for Framber Valdez, potentially shaking up his free agent market.

Paul Skenes

A pitcher in the Pirates' starting rotation.

Jared Jones

A pitcher in the Pirates' starting rotation.

Mitch Keller

A pitcher in the Pirates' starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying again. And their latest target is the biggest remaining name on the free-agent market: left-hander Framber Valdez.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter

“Thwarted in numerous attempts to find additional offense, the Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive clubs to pursue Valdez, according to people briefed on the matter.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Framber Valdez will take a short-term deal with the Pirates or hold out for a longer-term contract with a more consistent contender.

The takeaway

The Pirates' unexpected pursuit of Framber Valdez could significantly shake up the left-hander's free agent market, potentially forcing other teams to increase their offers in order to land the star pitcher.