Spring training is just around the corner, and one of the biggest names still on the free agent market is pitcher Framber Valdez, currently ranked as the No. 4 available player. eight of the top 50 free agents remain unsigned as teams prepare for the season.
Pirates Eye Ozuna and Valdez, Astros Seek Lefties
The Pittsburgh Pirates are showing interest in both Marcell Ozuna and Framber Valdez, according to The Athletic and The Athletic. While Pittsburgh has signaled a willingness to increase spending, their projected 2026 payroll is only expected to be about $12 million higher than in 2025, as per Cot’s baseball Contracts. The team has already added Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn this offseason.
The Pirates boast a strong starting rotation, spearheaded by reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. Adding Valdez would further solidify that strength and potentially open the door for trading another pitcher, like Mitch Keller, to address their need for a power hitter. Considering the Pirates had the lowest-scoring offence in baseball in 2025, prioritizing a bat over Ozuna, a designated hitter-only player with declining power, might be a wiser move.
Astros Still Seeking Left-Handed Hitters
The Houston Astros remain actively in the market for left-handed hitters, as General Manager Dana Brown told MLB.com. “I would say we are definitely in the market for left-handed bats and we’re still continuing to be in that market. We’re working hard every day to see what we can add. If there was a left-handed bat that was available, I would say that we are in on him,” Brown stated.
Currently, Houston’s left-handed hitting options include Yordan Alvarez, along with platoon outfielders Zach Cole and Jesus Sanchez, and backup catcher Cesar Salazar. The Astros have been exploring a trade for Christian Walker since last year’s trade deadline, but interest has been limited. Adding a left-handed hitting first baseman and bolstering the outfield remain key priorities for the team.
