Reason Pirates accidentally got involved in Framber Valdez market is now even clearer

The longer Framber Valdez sat on the market this winter, the stranger it became.

This was a frontline starter, a durable left-hander with postseason experience, swing-and-miss stuff, and the kind of résumé teams usually line up for the second free agency opens. Yet by February, Valdez was still unsigned — and suddenly, the Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit.

At the time, it felt random. Desperate, even. The Pirates didn’t need another high-priced starter nearly as badly as they needed offense. But with ownership taking heat over payroll and inactivity, it seemed like Pittsburgh became enamored with the idea of landing the “best player left” simply because he was still there.

Now, the reason Valdez lingered on the market so long is looking a whole lot clearer. Major League Baseball handed Valdez, now with the Tigers, a six-game suspension (which has since been reduced to five games) and an undisclosed fine on Wednesday after he intentionally threw at Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story during Detroit’s ugly 10-3 loss Tuesday night.

And suddenly, all the concerns that quietly followed Valdez through free agency came rushing back to the surface.

Pirates' failure to land Framber Valdez in free agency may have been a blessing in disguise

Tuesday wasn't an isolated incident. Valdez already carried baggage into free agency after last season’s bizarre incident involving Astros catcher César Salazar, where he drilled his own catcher in the chest after surrendering a grand slam.

Around the league, executives and evaluators notice patterns. Teams invest $100-plus million not just in talent, but in stability, leadership and predictability. That’s where the hesitation clearly came from.

The Tigers ultimately ignored those concerns and gave Valdez a massive three-year, $115 million contract featuring the highest AAV ever for a left-handed pitcher. Detroit bet that his production would outweigh the volatility. Less than three months into that deal, they’re already dealing with the exact type of incident teams likely feared during negotiations.

Pirates fans should probably be thankful Pittsburgh lost this one. Had the Pirates landed Valdez, the reaction initially would’ve been euphoric. Fans have begged ownership for years to spend aggressively. Signing the top remaining starter on the market would’ve been viewed as a statement move.

But long-term, it might have become a disaster. Not only would the Pirates have committed an unprecedented amount of money to a pitcher entering his 30s, but they would’ve done so while blocking pathways for younger arms and tying up payroll flexibility they desperately need elsewhere.

Beyond the baseball fit, this is exactly the type of risk small-market teams can’t afford to miss on. The Dodgers can survive a messy $115 million contract. The Mets can bury one. The Pirates can’t — which makes this entire saga feel strangely fortunate in hindsight.

For once, the Pirates being late to the party may have actually saved them from themselves.

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