One MLB writer hinted at why Houston Astros left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez remains a free agent. It is an unfortunate reason if true.

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in two weeks, MLB teams have a window to finish their free-agent shopping with a flourish.

The San Diego Padres need a pitcher to replace Dylan Cease after he departed in free agency, and logically, they would go after the top free agent left on the market, which is Framber Valdez. However, with his clubhouse antics and projected contract, they might want to go with a safer option.

The New York Mets could make a major signing of Framber Valdez to strengthen their starting rotation, an MLB insider says.

The calendar flips to February on Sunday, meaning that the Spring Training countdown will enter single-digit days. Yet several free agents remain unsigned, none bigger than Framber Valdez, who was among the top four arms on the market when the offseason began.

Framber Valdez, Eugenio Surez and other top MLB free agents are dangerously close to missing part of spring training. What's the holdup?

Entering the offseason, one could argue Framber Valdez was the top free agent starting pitcher. However, two weeks before pitchers and catchers report, the veteran left-hander doesn’t have a home for the upcoming season.