Pirates get 'aggressive' free agent update with Astros lefty ace

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been spending a bit more money this offseason than they normally do. Ryan O'Hearn and trade pickup Brandon Lowe are nice additions, but more still needs to come for the Pirates to be serious postseason contenders.

While Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler are very exciting players who are at the beginning of their careers, the Pirates could use another starting pitcher.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Pirates have emerged as "aggressive" suitors for Houston Astros free-agent lefty ace Framber Valdez. The top pitcher on the market is now strongly tied to the Pirates this offseason.

Pirates strongly linked to Framber Valdez in free agency

"The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying again," Rosenthal reports, "and their latest target is the biggest remaining name on the free-agent market - left-hander Framber Valdez."

This offseason has seen the Pirates pursue some big additions. First was Kyle Schwarber, and most recently was Eugenio Suarez.

While neither signed with the Pirates, they are now going after the best pitcher left in free agency with their serious interest in Valdez.

The Astros lefty is a great free agent target, and with teams like the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and the Toronto Blue Jays showing interest, the Pirates' aggressive pursuit is very interesting.

More: Pirates' stance on trading Paul Skenes called into question by The Athletic

Valdez had a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts last season for the Astros. While his 114 ERA+ wasn't the best he's had in recent years, it was still a very good season.

The 32-year-old, two-time All-Star is the best pitcher left on the free agent market. And the Pirates are pursuing him this offseason.

Adding Valdez to pair with Skenes, Chandler, and Mitch Keller would make for a very fun starting rotation. If the offense and bullpen can be solid, a Valdez signing could make the Pirates a postseason contender.

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