As spring training camps prepare to open next week, eight of the top 50 free agents, including No. 4-ranked Framber Valdez, remain unsigned. The Pittsburgh Pirates, having missed out on Eugenio Suárez, have set their sights on free agents Marcell Ozuna and Framber Valdez, according to The Athletic. Although Pittsburgh has shown a willingness to increase spending, their estimated 2026 payroll is projected to rise by only about $12 million compared to 2025, based on data from Cot’s Baseball Contracts. Key offseason acquisitions for the Pirates include Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
The Pirates’ rotation is already formidable, anchored by reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. Adding Valdez would further solidify their pitching staff and could create an opportunity to trade another pitcher—possibly Mitch Keller—for a much-needed bat. This strategy might be preferable to settling for Ozuna, whose role is primarily as a designated hitter and who has exhibited declining power. The Pirates struggled offensively in 2025, finishing with the league’s lowest-scoring lineup.
Astros Continue Pursuit of Left-Handed Hitters
The Houston Astros remain active in the search for left-handed hitters, as confirmed by general manager Dana Brown in an interview with 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 said.
Currently, the Astros’ left-handed hitters are limited to star Yordan Alvarez, platoon outfielders Zach Cole and Jesús Sánchez, and backup catcher César Salazar. Houston has also been attempting to trade first baseman Christian Walker since last year’s trade deadline, hoping to replace him with a left-handed hitter at first base. However, interest in Walker has been minimal, leaving the outfield as another possible area for lefty additions.
Implications for Upcoming Season and Team Strategies
The developments highlight the pivotal role that both pitching and left-handed hitting will play for these teams in the 2026 season. For the Pirates, securing Valdez could strengthen their rotation significantly and aid in balancing their offensive struggles through potential trades. Meanwhile, the Astros remain restless in their effort to supplement their lineup with capable left-handed bats, which could affect their offensive dynamics moving forward. With free agents like Valdez still available, both teams face important decisions as spring training approaches.
