The Tigers have secured a blockbuster three-year, $115 million contract with ace left-handed starter Framber Valdez, plus a $20 million signing bonus. This deal, which came together swiftly after Valdez met with manager AJ Hinch in Houston, includes deferrals and an opt-out after the second year. The $38.3 million average annual salary is the fifth highest for a pitcher, and the largest ever given to a left-handed pitcher. The Tigers are paying this amount despite the possibility of paying ace lefty Tarik Skubal $32 million this season, as the arbitration panel's verdict is still pending. Valdez, 32, has been a top-tier starter for the Astros, pitching at least 192 innings in three of the last four seasons. He boasts a 3.23 ERA over 973 innings since 2020 and has a 4.24 ERA in 85 postseason games, including the Astros' World Series win in 2022. Valdez's arsenal includes a 94-mph sinker, curveball, and changeup, with a 59% groundball rate and a 43.7% whiff rate with his curveball last season. The Tigers now have a formidable starting rotation, featuring Skubal, Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, and Drew Anderson. However, the Tigers will forfeit a draft pick next season after the fourth round because Valdez opted not to take the Astros' qualifying offer.
