The Detroit Tigers have made a significant splash in MLB free agency by signing left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, a move that instantly upgrades their rotation as they aim to contend for the American League Central title. Valdez, a former Houston Astros ace, brings a wealth of experience and consistency to a Tigers team looking to end a decade-long division drought.
The deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the second season, was finalized on February 4, 2026, and is pending a physical. With an average annual value of $38.3 million, it sets a record for left-handed pitchers from Latin America, underscoring Valdez’s value in the market. The contract also features a $20 million signing bonus, a stark contrast to the $10,000 bonus he received when first signing with the Astros as a 21-year-old.
Valdez, 32, has established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable starters over the past five seasons. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2020, he has compiled a 73-43 record with a 3.20 ERA, ranking among the league leaders in innings pitched and ground ball rate. His sinker, averaging 94.3 mph, combined with an effective changeup and curveball, has made him a weak-contact specialist, earning him two All-Star selections and multiple top-10 finishes in Cy Young Award voting.
The signing reunites Valdez with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who previously managed him in Houston, providing a familiar environment for the pitcher. Valdez’s addition slots him behind ace Tarik Skubal in a rotation that also includes Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Reese Olson, creating one of the more formidable starting staffs in the American League. However, Skubal’s future with the team remains uncertain as he and the Tigers are engaged in arbitration, with Skubal seeking $32 million and the team offering $19 million.
For the Tigers, this move signals an aggressive push to win their first AL Central title since 2014. With top prospects like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark nearing the majors, adding Valdez provides veteran stability and playoff experience; he has made 16 postseason starts with the Astros, including a key role in their 2022 World Series victory where he posted a 1.44 ERA over four starts. His ability to eat innings and perform in high-pressure situations addresses a critical need for Detroit.
Valdez’s journey to this contract is a testament to his perseverance. Originally signed for a minimal bonus, he overcame early concerns about his arm health to become a workhorse, throwing 973 innings since 2020, the fifth-most in baseball. His consistency and durability, with only two brief stints on the injured list, made him an attractive target despite being on the wrong side of 30, leading to a shorter-term but high-value deal.
In the broader MLB landscape, Valdez’s signing is among the most notable of the offseason, highlighting the competitive market for starting pitchers. By declining the Astros’ $22.025 million qualifying offer, Valdez forced Detroit to forfeit a draft pick, but the Tigers deemed the cost worthwhile to secure a frontline starter. This deal follows a trend of teams investing heavily in proven arms to bolster their rotations for immediate contention.
Looking ahead, the Tigers’ focus shifts to resolving Skubal’s arbitration and integrating Valdez into the team as spring training begins. With Valdez on board, Detroit’s rotation is poised to be a strength, but the success of this signing will ultimately be measured by how it translates into wins and a potential playoff run. For Valdez, this contract represents the pinnacle of a career built on hard work and reliability, setting the stage for the next chapter in Detroit.
