The Los Angeles Angels have taken a clear cost-cutting approach this offseason. According to FanGraphs, their payroll sits about $25 million below where it ended in 2025, and so far, there’s been no indication they plan to reverse course. The Halos have been quiet, measured, and - depending on your perspective - maybe a little too cautious.
But now comes a twist that could raise some eyebrows in Anaheim: the Pittsburgh Pirates - yes, those Pirates - are reportedly making a serious push for free-agent lefty Framber Valdez. That’s according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, who reports Pittsburgh has turned its attention to Valdez after missing out on third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
Let’s be clear: if the Pirates beat the Angels to Valdez, that’s not just a missed opportunity - it’s a statement. Pittsburgh, a team not exactly known for throwing money around, is leaning into its strength: starting pitching.
If they land Valdez, he’d slot into a rotation that already features Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler. That’s not just solid - that’s potentially elite.
This is where the Angels come in. Or rather, where they should come in.
Because if Pittsburgh - a team with a history of tight budgets and long rebuilds - is willing to go after a high-upside arm like Valdez, what’s stopping Los Angeles? The Halos have a glaring need in their rotation, and Valdez checks a lot of boxes: playoff experience, a durable arm, and the kind of groundball-heavy profile that plays well in any park. He’s the type of pitcher who can help stabilize a staff and take pressure off a bullpen that’s seen its share of wear and tear.
Now, there’s no denying Valdez’s market has been slow to develop this winter. That’s not uncommon for pitchers with multiple years of team control left or for players coming off a slightly down year.
But make no mistake - the talent is still there. And with teams like the Orioles, Braves, Padres, and Blue Jays reportedly circling, the interest is real.
So where are the Angels?
The signs suggest they’re staying the course - scanning the waiver wire, handing out non-roster invites, and preparing for spring training in Tempe with a roster that looks more like a patchwork than a playoff push. General manager Perry Minasian has avoided long-term commitments all winter, and while that might be part of a broader strategy, it also means missing out on impact players like Valdez.
Adding Valdez wouldn’t just be a smart baseball move - it would signal that the Angels are still serious about competing. Instead, they risk watching a mid-market team like Pittsburgh outmaneuver them for a frontline starter.
At the end of the day, the Pirates’ interest in Valdez is a reminder that aggressiveness in free agency isn’t just for the big spenders. It’s about identifying value, filling needs, and sending a message to your clubhouse - and your fanbase - that you’re all in.
For the Angels, the question isn’t whether Valdez fits. It’s whether they’re willing to act.