Framber Valdez

Valdez, 32 is arguably the best free agent still remaining with spring training around the corner.

Valdez has finished Top 10 in AL Cy Young voting three times and is the best pitcher on the market.

The Pirates have emerged as a surprise entrant in the Framber Valdez market, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who calls the Bucs “one of the most aggressive clubs” in their pursuit of the star left-hander. Valdez rejected a qualifying offer from the Astros at the start of the offseason and would cost the Pirates…

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While the Pirates have a genuine interest in Valdez, there is a belief that their interest may just raise the price for other bidders. As Rosenthal notes, "The Baltimore Orioles have been linked to Valdez the entire offseason," and "the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres continue to pursue starters." However, the Pirates did hire Bill Murphy as their new pitching coach. He has "worked with Valdez for the vast majority of the pitcher's professional career, as both a minor- and major-league coach with the Houston Astros," so that may be enough for the left-hander to honestly entertain joining the Pirates.