Pirates Enter Framber Valdez Market in Aggressive Pursuit

Pirates have joined a crowded market for left-hander Framber Valdez after he declined the Astros’ qualifying offer, a pursuit that would likely require a multi-year, potentially franchise-record contract and could cost Pittsburgh a top draft pick. The bid would bolster Pittsburgh’s rotation depth and, if paired with strategic moves for hitting, signals a bold push into the upper end of MLB payroll in a bid to transform their title contending window.