Tigers Sign Framber Valdez to 3-Year, $115 Million Deal

Framber Valdez, a left-handed starting pitcher who spent his career with the Houston Astros, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $115 million. The deal, reached this week, gives Valdez an average of $38.3 million per year, the highest ever for a left-handed pitcher. The Tigers have not yet made an official announcement, but people close to the talks say the agreement is done.

Background

Valdez built his name in Houston over the last several years. He signed with the Astros in 2015 at age 21 from the Dominican Republic. Scouts spotted him throwing pitches under car headlights in Guayacanes. They liked his curveball right away, which has stayed his best pitch. Over 61% of his strikeouts come from that curveball, paired with his sinker that gets a lot of ground balls.

He moved up through the minors but was not seen as a top prospect. When he got to the majors in 2018, his first couple years were up and down. He had a 4.60 ERA in 34 games, including 13 starts, through 2019. Things changed in 2020. With Gerrit Cole gone to the Yankees and Justin Verlander hurt, Valdez stepped up as Houston's main starter. He posted a 3.23 ERA over 973 innings since then, mixing strikeouts with ground balls.

In 2022, he had his best year. He led the American League with 201 1/3 innings pitched and a 2.82 ERA. He struck out 194 batters and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting. In the playoffs that year, he had a 1.44 ERA over four starts, helping the Astros win the World Series.

Last season in 2025, Valdez made 30 starts for the third time in four years. He pitched 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA and 187 strikeouts. The Astros offered him a qualifying offer of $22.025 million for 2026, but he turned it down. That means Houston gets a draft pick after the fourth round if he signed elsewhere. Only four pitchers threw more innings than Valdez over the past six years, and his ERA+ of 128 ranks eighth among starters with at least 100 games in that time.

At 5-foot-11, Valdez does not look like the typical ace. But his work ethic and pitch mix have made him one of the most reliable starters in baseball.

Key Details

The contract runs three years, from 2026 through 2028. Valdez turns 32 this year, so it covers his age-32 to 34 seasons. The $115 million total comes out to $38.3 million a year. That beats any previous average for a lefty starter.

Valdez's Pitching Style

Valdez relies on inducing ground balls. His sinker and curveball create weak contact. He has posted solid strikeout rates while keeping the ball on the ground. Over his best stretch, he has stayed healthy and eaten innings. Teams value that in today's game, where starters often get pulled early.

"Framber has found a way to win with ground balls and that curveball no one can hit." – Astros scout who signed him

Detroit sees him as a fit next to their own ace, Tarik Skubal. Skubal won back-to-back Cy Young Awards and is in arbitration right now. He asked for $32 million, while the Tigers offered $19 million. A decision comes soon. This deal might signal Detroit's plans around Skubal, whether they keep him or shop him before he hits free agency after this year.

The Tigers spent big after a strong 2025. They made the playoffs and want to push further. Adding Valdez gives them two lefties at the top of the rotation.

What This Means

For the Tigers, Valdez strengthens their starting pitching right away. He brings proven innings and success in big games. Paired with Skubal, they could have one of the best one-two punches in the American League. Detroit's front office has rebuilt the team step by step. This signing shows they are ready to spend on proven talent.

Valdez leaves Houston after helping them to a World Series. The Astros now lose a key piece but gain draft compensation. They must fill that spot in the rotation.

Across baseball, this deal sets a mark for left-handed pitchers. Short-term contracts with high yearly pay might become more common for stars in their early 30s. Teams like the Orioles, who looked at Valdez, now turn elsewhere. Pitchers like Zac Gallen could see more interest as options thin out.

Valdez joins a Tigers team on the rise. They improved their offense and bullpen last year. With this rotation upgrade, Detroit eyes a deep playoff run. Fans in Motown have waited for moves like this. Valdez's ground-ball style plays well in their home park, which favors pitchers.

His arrival changes the AL Central race. Rivals like the Guardians and Twins must respond. The division was tight last year, and Detroit now looks like the team to beat.

Valdez talked about wanting a fresh start after turning down the qualifying offer. He pitched well for years in Houston but saw a chance for top money on a shorter deal. The Tigers offered security and a chance to lead a rotation.

As spring training nears, all eyes stay on Detroit's camp. They still need to resolve Skubal's arbitration. That outcome could shape their offseason further. For now, Valdez's signature bolsters their chances in 2026.