With spring training just around the corner, the hot stove is still burning, and surprisingly, eight of the top 50 free agents-including lefty ace Framber Valdez-remain unsigned. As teams finalize their rosters, a few intriguing storylines are unfolding, including the Pittsburgh Pirates making a late push in free agency and the Houston Astros continuing their search for left-handed power.
Pirates Eyeing Valdez, Ozuna in Final Free Agency Push
After striking out on Eugenio Suárez, the Pirates are reportedly turning their attention to two notable free agents: Marcell Ozuna and Framber Valdez. It’s a bold move from a franchise that, while not historically a big spender, has shown some willingness to open the checkbook this offseason. Pittsburgh’s projected 2026 payroll is up roughly $12 million from last year, signaling a desire to be more competitive in a suddenly wide-open NL Central.
The addition of Valdez would be a fascinating fit. The Pirates already boast a rotation anchored by reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, a young ace who took the league by storm in 2025.
Slotting Valdez behind him would give Pittsburgh one of the most formidable 1-2 punches in the National League. It also opens up some chessboard possibilities-namely, the option to trade another starter, like Mitch Keller, to address the team’s biggest issue: offense.
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Pittsburgh had the lowest-scoring lineup in baseball last season. Adding a bat is essential, and while Ozuna brings veteran presence and power potential, he’s a DH-only option whose pop has been trending downward. If the Pirates can land Valdez and flip a pitcher for a more dynamic offensive piece, that’s a far more balanced path forward than simply plugging Ozuna into the middle of the lineup and hoping for the best.
Astros Still Shopping for Left-Handed Bats
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Astros are staying aggressive in their pursuit of left-handed hitting. General Manager Dana Brown made it clear: they’re not just looking-they’re actively working the phones.
“I would say we are definitely in the market for left-handed bats,” Brown told MLB.com. “We’re working hard every day to see what we can add.”
It’s not hard to see why. Outside of superstar Yordan Alvarez, Houston’s left-handed options are thin.
Zach Cole and Jesús Sánchez offer some platoon value in the outfield, and César Salazar is a backup catcher-not exactly the kind of impact bat you build a lineup around. The Astros have been trying to move Christian Walker since last year’s trade deadline, and if they can find a taker, it would open the door to plug in a lefty-hitting first baseman, which would help balance a righty-heavy lineup.
The outfield is another area to watch. With Kyle Tucker entrenched in right field and Chas McCormick capable but not untouchable, there’s room for a left-handed bat who can provide both on-base ability and some pop. Houston has the core to contend again in 2026, but they’re clearly not satisfied with the status quo-and with the AL West shaping up to be a dogfight, they’re wise to keep pressing for upgrades.
Final Thoughts
As camps get ready to open, both the Pirates and Astros are navigating very different paths but with a similar urgency. Pittsburgh is trying to take the next step from promising to playoff-caliber, while Houston is looking to fine-tune a roster built to win now. Whether it’s Valdez finding a new home or the Astros landing that elusive lefty bat, expect the market to heat up fast-because the clock is ticking, and spring waits for no one.