Tigers Secure Top Free-Agent Pitcher in Last-Minute Deal
The Detroit Tigers have made a significant upgrade to their pitching lineup by securing the top free-agent pitcher on the market. They have finalized a three-year, $115 million deal with Framber Valdez, a seasoned left-handed pitcher. This information was initially reported by ESPN and is contingent upon Valdez passing a physical examination.
Tigers Add Framber Valdez to Their Rotation
Framber Valdez, who is 32 years old, had spent all eight seasons of his career with the Houston Astros. During his tenure in Houston, he achieved a record of 81 wins against 52 losses, maintaining an impressive 3.36 ERA over 1,080 innings pitched. In recent years, Valdez has demonstrated remarkable consistency, averaging more than 30 starts per season over the last four seasons.
Strengthening the Team’s Rotation
Valdez is set to join a strong rotation that includes notable names such as:
- Tarik Skubal – A two-time defending Cy Young Award winner
- Jack Flaherty
- Casey Mize
- Reese Olson
- Drew Anderson – Recently signed a one-year, $7 million deal
- Troy Melton – Essential in the previous season’s bullpen
The Tigers have set their regular season wins line at 85.5 games according to FanDuel.
Valdez’s Background and Performance Record
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Valdez joined the Astros as a teenager in 2015. He started off slow but turned his career around during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, where he recorded 76 strikeouts in 70 innings. He quickly became a staple in the Astros’ rotation, marked by only one significant injury in 2021.
Notably, Valdez set an MLB record in 2022, completing 25 consecutive quality starts. With a durable track record, he has achieved nine complete games and three shutouts, averaging over 6 1/3 innings per start in the last five seasons.
Contract Details and Draft Compensation
While Valdez anticipated a longer deal, his age posed challenges during negotiations. Earlier projections estimated contracts around seven years for $196 million, but he ultimately opted for the Tigers’ three-year agreement. Due to a qualifying offer from the Astros, the Tigers will forfeit their No. 69 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, while the Astros will receive the No. 137 overall pick.
Tigers’ 40-Man Roster Overview
The Tigers’ 40-man roster currently includes:
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Left-handed Pitchers | Tyler Holton, Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, Jake Miller, Tarik Skubal, Drew Sommers, Framber Valdez |
| Right-handed Pitchers | Drew Anderson, Beau Brieske, Kyle Finnegan, Jack Flaherty, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Brenan Hanifee, Kenley Jansen, Jackson Jobe, Ty Madden, Troy Melton, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese Olson, Dylan Smith, Will Vest |
| Catchers | Dillon Dingler, Thayron Liranzo, Jake Rogers, Eduardo Valencia |
| Infielders | Javier Báez, Trei Cruz, Jace Jung, Colt Keith, Hao-Yu Lee, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres |
| Outfielders | Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Jahmai Jones, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling |
As spring training approaches, the Tigers can make room in their roster by placing Jackson Jobe on the 60-day injured list. This strategic move reflects the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
