The Pirates are pursuing Framber Valdez with a top contract and draft pick sacrifice to boost their rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are aggressively pursuing free-agent pitcher Framber Valdez, a top target in the offseason, to strengthen a rotation led by Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. The team, which has shifted from years of rebuilding, is willing to forfeit a high draft pick and offer a major contract to land Valdez, who has drawn interest from several teams. Their pursuit is bolstered by hiring Valdez’s former pitching coach, Bill Murphy, and aims to build a competitive roster amid ongoing efforts to improve their offense.