Free agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez signs massive multi-year contract
Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers have landed one of baseball’s premier starters, signing two-time All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year deal.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the agreement is worth $115 million and includes an opt-out after the second season.
BREAKING: Star left-hander Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Valdez, 32, gets the highest AAV ever for a left-handed pitcher as well as the highest for a Latin American pitcher. Huge move for Detroit.
It is the largest average annual value for a left-handed and Latin American pitcher.
While the Toronto Blue Jays were among the teams pursuing Valdez, the Tigers ultimately won out with a massive financial commitment.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the deal also includes deferred money, and Jon Heyman of the New York Post adds that Valdez will receive a $20 million signing bonus.
Valdez provides Detroit with a one-two punch at the top of their rotation
After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, Valdez will join a new organization for the first time.
In Detroit, he reunites with manager A.J. Hinch and immediately strengthens the top of the Tigers’ rotation.
Valdez is expected to slot in behind reigning ace Tarik Skubal, forming a formidable one-two punch that could rival any rotation in the American League.
Reese Olson, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize are projected to follow, giving Detroit impressive depth if the staff remains healthy.
One of the most reliable starters in the sport, Valdez is known for his sinker-heavy approach, generating elite ground-ball rates and consistently pitching deep into games.
Since 2022, he ranks second among qualified pitchers in innings pitched, first in wins, sixth in strikeouts, fourth in ground-ball rate, and eighth in home runs allowed per nine innings.
Over his career, Valdez owns an 81–52 record with a 3.36 ERA, 1,053 strikeouts, and 1,080.2 innings pitched.
He was also a key contributor to Houston’s 2022 World Series championship and has made 17 postseason appearances.
With this signing, the Tigers signal they’re ready to contend, and Framber Valdez figures to be a major reason why.
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