Tigers Sign LHP Framber Valdez to 3-Year, $115M Deal
The Detroit Tigers have officially signed left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez to a three-year contract worth $115 million. This agreement marks a historic moment, as it grants Valdez the highest average annual salary ever given to a left-handed pitcher and the highest for a player from Latin America.
Contract Details
The contract includes an opt-out option after the second year. Valdez’s previous team, the Houston Astros, tendered him a qualifying offer of $22.025 million, which he declined before the November 18 deadline.
As a result of his signing with the Tigers, the Astros will receive a compensatory draft selection around the 75th pick after the competitive balance round B.
Framber Valdez’s Career Highlights
- Age: 32
- Origin: Dominican Republic
- Major League Debut: 2018
- World Series Champion: 2022
- All-Star Appearances: 2
- AL MVP Votes: Two seasons
- AL Cy Young Votes: Four times, including a fifth-place finish in 2022
Performance Metrics
Valdez has built an impressive resume over the last five seasons. His average ERA since 2021 stands at 3.20, supported by the highest ground ball rate among major league starters during that span.
He has consistently demonstrated his effectiveness as a starting pitcher, being tied for the highest number of wins in the MLB since 2020, with a total of 73. Additionally, he ranks sixth in pitcher Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 20.3 and is fifth in innings pitched at 973.
Impact in the Playoffs
Valdez has also excelled in the postseason, where he is tied for first in numerous categories, including:
- Wins: 7
- Games Started: 16
- Innings Pitched: 85
Velocity and Pitching Skills
His sinker has become one of the most effective pitches in baseball, ranking second in performance behind Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sanchez for the current season. In 2022, Valdez led the American League with 201⅓ innings pitched, further emphasizing his durability and skill on the mound.
This signing reunites Valdez with A.J. Hinch, his former manager in Houston, as the Tigers look to bolster their pitching staff with this significant acquisition.
