Just a day after the Cincinnati Reds officially locked in Eugenio Suárez, the Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines of their own-though in a surprising direction. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Pirates have turned their attention to Framber Valdez, the top remaining starting pitcher on the free-agent market.
It’s an aggressive move from a club that’s not typically known for splashing around in the deep end of free agency. But if they land Valdez, it could shift the entire dynamic of the NL Central-and fast.
Pirates Eyeing a Rotation Upgrade, Not a Bat
Let’s be clear: Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Valdez is unexpected, not because of the pitcher’s talent, but because of what the Pirates need. After missing out on Suárez-a bat they reportedly chased hard-it seemed logical that the front office would pivot to another offensive piece. Instead, they’re going after a frontline starter.
And not just any starter. Valdez is a proven lefty with postseason experience and a track record of durability.
He’s the kind of arm that can anchor a rotation and change the tone of a team’s entire pitching staff. If the Pirates do land him, it’s not just a boost-it’s a statement.
But that’s where the intrigue comes in. The Pirates aren’t exactly known for making splashy free-agent signings.
Their offseason so far has been a mix of calculated moves: they signed Ryan O’Hearn to add some pop and brought in infielder Brandon Lowe via trade with the Rays. Solid, smart transactions-but nothing seismic.
Valdez would be different. He’d be the kind of acquisition that signals a shift in philosophy, or at least a willingness to compete more aggressively in the short term.
A Tale of Two Small-Market Strategies
What’s especially fascinating is how this all mirrors the Reds’ own offseason path. Cincinnati, another small-market team that typically builds from within, has been more active than usual.
They brought Suárez back on a one-year, $15 million deal and re-upped reliever Emilio Pagán earlier in the winter. It’s not a full-blown spending spree, but it’s a clear sign that the Reds see a window opening.
Now the Pirates might be trying to do the same-just from a different angle. While the Reds prioritized adding a bat, Pittsburgh is leaning toward bolstering the rotation. It’s a different route, but the destination is the same: closing the gap in a division that’s still very much up for grabs.
Still, Questions Remain
The big question is whether this is a genuine push or more of a strategic smokescreen. Pittsburgh has been linked to several high-profile names this winter, but aside from O’Hearn, they haven’t landed any. Could this be another case of the Pirates kicking the tires but ultimately staying on the lot?
That’s always a possibility, but there’s also a sense that the front office is feeling the pressure to make something happen. Missing out on Suárez stings, especially if they did indeed offer more money. Going after Valdez might be a way to keep the momentum going-or at least show fans they’re still in the fight.
What It Means for the NL Central
Adding Suárez didn’t instantly make the Reds the team to beat, but it did solidify their standing as a serious contender. If the Pirates counter by bringing in Valdez, they wouldn’t just be keeping pace-they’d be making a bold statement about where they see themselves in the division race.
It’s a wild pivot, no doubt. But in a division where margins are thin and opportunities are fleeting, the right move at the right time can change everything. If Pittsburgh pulls this off, they’ll go from offseason question mark to one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026.