The Pittsburgh Pirates are still attempting to make a big splash in free agency after all.
After watching Kyle Schwarber, Eugenio Suarez, and others come off the board and sign with rival National League contenders, the Pirates may improve an already strong portion of the team: starting pitching.
In a surprising turn of events, the Pirates are reportedly an “aggressive” pursuer of the best pitcher remaining on the market.
The Pirates are interested in two-time All-Star lefty Framber Valdez, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, to join a young and promising rotation led by Paul Skenes.
Valdez, 32, owns a career 3.36 ERA over eight seasons with the Houston Astros. 2025 marks his worst ERA performance since 2019, posting a 3.66 clip with a 1.245 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 192 innings.
He earned an MLB-best two complete games but an MLB-worst 12 wild pitches in 31 starts.
Valdez would immediately become the Pirates’ No. 2 starter and solidify the Pirates rotation as one of the best in baseball.
Teaming Valdez with Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Mitch Keller, and Braxton Ashcraft could make the Pirates legitimate playoff contenders this season.
Two things could be attentive to Valdez.
The Pirates hired former Astros pitching coach Brett Murphy for the same position in Pittsburgh. The spacious left field and left-center field at PNC Park plays well for lefties and could be an opportunity for Valdez to reset his market on a one-year contract.
Pittsburgh has struggled to land viable free agents over the years and shown the willingness to overspend. Rosenthal noted that the Pirates may be being used as “a stalking horse” once more.
“However, the Pirates again might prove to be little more than a stalking horse for a more competitive team willing to offer Valdez the type of short-term deal with opt-outs he seems likely to command,” Rosenthal wrote.
Valdez is also drawing interest from the Blue Jays and Orioles to stay in the American League.
It’s possible that signing Valdez could open the door for the Pirates to trade Keller for a third baseman, adding a front-line starter to the rotation, making Keller expendable and a valuable trade chip to complete the lineup.
Rosenthal noted that the Pirates remain interested in slugger Marcell Ozuna, who is primarily a DH and would complicate the team’s defense, but adds a former All-Star who hit 21 home runs a season ago.
The Pirates still have time to add offense, or another impactful starting pitcher, before the heart of spring.
Pitchers and catchers officially report to Bradenton, Florida on February 11.
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