The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying again. And their latest target is the biggest remaining name on the free-agent market: left-hander Framber Valdez.
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.
The signing of Valdez, 32, would enhance the Pirates’ biggest strength — their starting rotation, led by National League Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes. Bill Murphy, Pittsburgh’s new pitching coach, 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.
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.
The Baltimore Orioles have been linked to Valdez the entire offseason. The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres continue to pursue starters. Other clubs, including the Toronto Blue Jays, could enter the mix if Valdez’s price falls to a level they deem acceptable.
Of those clubs, the Braves would lose the highest draft pick (No. 26 overall) for Valdez, who rejected a qualifying offer. The Pirates would sacrifice a pick that currently is 44th overall, and almost certainly would do it to land a pitcher of Valdez’s quality, even on a short-term deal. They already hold the fifth selection and another at No. 34.
The Pirates continue to pursue offensive help, with designated hitter Marcell Ozuna among their latest targets, league sources said. From Kyle Schwarber to Eugenio Suárez, they have repeatedly been outmaneuvered for free agents this offseason, landing only first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn on a two-year, $29 million deal.
In their quest to improve the league’s worst offense, the Pirates earlier this offseason traded two starting pitchers: Johan Oviedo (for Jhostynxon Garcia) and Mike Burrows (for Brandon Lowe). Valdez would join a rotation that is projected to include Skenes and Mitch Keller, plus two younger starters, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler.
Murphy was with the Astros almost as long as Valdez. He joined the organization in 2016, which was Valdez’s first year in the United States after signing with the Astros from the Dominican Republic.
