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Pitcher Framber Valdez is the last big name available on the market. And when I say big name, I mean a player who is still among the elite of Major League Baseball.
The Orioles are currently the favorites for many people. But if he hasn't signed yet, it's potentially because the guy doesn't really want to pitch there.
Are the Mets still in the running now that Freddy Peralta is in town? Who knows.
Ken Rosenthal, in an article on the subject, also named the Braves, Padres , and Blue Jays among the teams to watch in the case of the former Astros player.
While I think the Blue Jays should be acquiring another bat, I see the justification for bringing in Framber
Would build elite rotation, can ease Bieber along, Yesavage coming off a big workload and need to protect him. Make Ponce SP depth or high-leverage RP.
Berrios/Lauer… https://t.co/AHudhXww48
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) February 4, 2026
But in reality, his text revolves around one club in particular: the Pirates.
According to The Athletic's source, the Pittsburgh club is aggressively trying to convince the pitcher to continue his career in Pennsylvania. And that's surprising.
The Pirates are trying again in free agency. And their latest target is a doozy. Story: https://t.co/uZyJ6oqDsh
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 4, 2026
Bill Murphy, the Pirates' new pitching coach, knows Valdez like the back of his hand (for better or worse) because he knew the pitcher in Houston, in the minors and the majors.
That could help the Pirates' cause.
Together with Paul Skenes, he would form an incredible one-two punch at the top of the Pirates' rotation. In fact, the club's entire rotation would be excellent. Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler are also in the organization.
The Pirates are also looking to strengthen their offense (a marked weakness in 2025) with guys like Marcell Ozuna. Valdez wouldn't help on that front, but he would make the club better overall.
Will the aggressive offer the Pirates could make (or have made) be as “valid” as the one to Kyle Schwarber? Remember that the DH was offered $120 million in Pittsburgh, which is good, but below the Phillies' offer of $150 million.
The Pirates have tried a lot of things this winter and they seem willing to spend. But as for Valdez, I'll believe it when I see it.
If the Pirates are actually interested in Framber Valdez, they need to prove it, says @AJPierzynski12. pic.twitter.com/cF52GIrEln
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 4, 2026
This content was created with the help of AI.
