Pirates Enter Valdez Auction with Strong Bid
The Pittsburgh Pirates have become a surprising contender in the market for left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez. According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, the Pirates have shown aggressive interest in acquiring the star player.
Framber Valdez’s Market Status
Framber Valdez recently turned down a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros, making him a sought-after free agent. If the Pirates successfully acquire him, they would forfeit their third-highest pick in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. While this situation may seem illogical at first, Valdez’s addition could enhance the Pirates’ already strong pitching stock.
Strategic Roster Development
The Pirates have considerable depth in their starting rotation, featuring young talents such as Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler. With Jared Jones returning from UCL surgery, and prospects like Hunter Barco, Thomas Harrington, and Wilber Dotel on the 40-man roster, the team has options. Recently drafted Seth Hernandez adds to this promising group.
- Mitch Keller
- Braxton Ashcraft
- Bubba Chandler
- Hunter Barco
- Thomas Harrington
- Wilber Dotel
- Seth Hernandez
Bringing Valdez on board would create a formidable one-two punch alongside Paul Skenes, who the general manager Ben Cherington has indicated is untouchable.
Valdez’s Impressive Performance Metrics
During the past four seasons, the 32-year-old Valdez has pitched 767.2 innings, maintaining a 3.21 ERA. His statistics highlight a 23.9% strikeout rate, a 7.9% walk rate, and an impressive 60% ground-ball rate—ranking him among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Financial Considerations
Signing Valdez would likely require the Pirates to extend the largest contract in franchise history. Previously, the Pirates have demonstrated a willingness to invest, reportedly offering Kyle Schwarber a deal worth $120-125 million over four years. The current projected payroll for the upcoming season is around $95 million.
While the Orioles have been closely linked to Valdez, other teams such as the Blue Jays, Braves, Giants, Mets, and Red Sox have also shown interest. There are discussions regarding the possibility of a shorter contract with opt-out clauses, which would reflect recent trends in free agency.
As the offseason progresses, the Pirates’ pursuit of Framber Valdez represents a critical move to bolster their roster and improve their competitive edge in the league.
