Cubs aren’t sweating Framber Valdez rumor because it’s a laughable trend for rival

Before this offseason, the Chicago Cubs were the "we tried" kings of each offseason. The Cubs would identify a potential free-agent target only to not make a competitive offer when it was time for a decision. That narrative has ended for the Cubs this winter after signing Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera, but a division rival seems to have been handed the honor.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were so excited to tell the world that they made a push for Josh Naylor, only to not actually make an offer before he signed with the Seattle Mariners. The Pirates then weren't shy about saying they were pivoting toward Kyle Schwarber, only to watch him return to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Recently, the Pirates were interested in Eugenio Suárez but watched him sign with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Pirates aren't just raising the "we tried" banner; they are waving it around with pride. And their efforts aren't over. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that Pittsburgh is making an aggressive attempt to land free-agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

Cubs would be afraid of the latest Framber Valdez rumor if it weren't connected to a laughable division rival.

If somehow the Pirates were to sign Valdez, it would be a face-saving measure. It's a matter of the Pirates feeling the need to spend money (because who loves a grievance), and after being the bridesmaid all of the offseason, they could be desperate to actually reel in the big fish.

What makes the Pirates such a perplexing (and unbelievable) fit for Valdez is that they don't exactly need a starting pitcher. Their rotation is already the strength of their roster, and their farm system is littered with controllable pitching prospects. Sure, Valdez on the Pirates would be a reminder for the Cubs to take them seriously, but their whiffs on nearly every other big-ticket free agent this offseason are why the North Siders shouldn't be concerned.

The Pirates' involvement in Valdez's market is a sign that his market isn't as strong as was expected at the start of the offseason. The Baltimore Orioles have been connected to Valdez throughout the offseason, and Rosenthal adds the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, and Toronto Blue Jays could have interest if his price drops.

It's natural to wonder if the Cubs would jump into the bidding, for the same logic they have interest in Zac Gallen, but behind the scenes, Valdez doesn't appear to be a clubhouse fit for Chicago. Not to mention, the Cubs, this offseason, have targeted pitchers who thrive on missing bats, and that isn't how Valdez has earned his reputation. The Cubs are likely good sitting this one out.