The Framber Valdez sweepstakes are heating up-and the Pittsburgh Pirates have officially crashed the party.
While the Baltimore Orioles have been lurking around Valdez’s market all offseason, talks haven’t exactly taken off. That’s created an opening, and a few teams have started to walk through the door.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves are reportedly in the mix, but the most surprising development? The Pirates are making a serious push for the left-handed ace-and they’re not just kicking the tires.
According to multiple reports, Pittsburgh has emerged as one of the most aggressive suitors for Valdez, and they’re willing to get creative to make it happen. The Pirates are reportedly offering a short-term deal with opt-outs, a structure that seems to align with what Valdez’s camp is looking for. And that detail could have ripple effects across the rest of the market-especially in Baltimore.
Let’s be clear: this is not the same Pirates team we’ve seen in recent offseasons. They’ve been active, even ambitious.
The additions of All-Stars Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn have already reshaped their lineup. They’ve taken real swings at power bats like Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suárez.
And now, they’re going after a frontline starter in Valdez, who brings postseason experience and a groundball-heavy profile that would fit nicely in the pitcher-friendly confines of PNC Park.
For the Orioles, this is where things get tricky. Valdez turned down a qualifying offer from the Astros earlier this offseason, meaning any team that signs him will have to forfeit draft capital and international bonus pool money. Baltimore already gave up a compensation pick in the Shane Baz trade, so doubling down on another high-cost move-especially for a pitcher who could opt out after a year or two-might not be their preferred route.
But here’s the other side of that coin: if the Orioles want to be taken seriously as a contender in 2026, this might be the kind of move they have to make. Valdez is arguably the top arm still available. And while the price tag may be softening-something Pittsburgh’s involvement seems to suggest-the structure of the deal could be the sticking point.
If Baltimore balks at offering an opt-out, that could open the door even wider for a team like Pittsburgh to swoop in. The Blue Jays, Padres, and Braves are also believed to be monitoring the situation, but right now, it’s the Pirates who are making the most noise.
Valdez, 32, has the kind of resume that commands respect-he’s a proven playoff performer, durable, and capable of leading a rotation. And while he’s not coming off his best statistical season, the upside is still very much there. For a team like Pittsburgh, which has been starved for a true No. 1 starter, this is the kind of move that could change the trajectory of the franchise.
We’re getting close to decision time. The Orioles have to decide if they’re ready to go all-in, or if they’re content to look elsewhere and risk watching Valdez anchor another team’s rotation. Either way, the market is moving-and fast.