Scott Harris introduces Framber Valdez to Detroit Tigers after signing
President of baseball operations Scott Harris introduced left-hander Framber Valdez to the Detroit Tigers on Feb. 11, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.
MINNEAPOLIS – Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez could have signed with the Minnesota Twins in free agency.
One problem: The Twins didn’t offer as much money as the Tigers.
That means Valdez had at least one other offer before joining the Tigers on a contract that guarantees $115 million if he remains in Detroit through the 2028 season, though he can opt out in November 2027. Other interested teams included the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates.
“I knew they were on board, but I’m happy to be here in Detroit,” Valdez said Tuesday, April 7, one day before his third start of the 2026 season, matching up against the Twins at Target Field.
The Tigers and Valdez struck an agreement on a free-agent contract in early February, exactly one week before pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.
The signing of Valdez created an elite one-two punch atop the rotation, with Valdez joining fellow left-hander Tarik Skubal.
Manager A.J. Hinch plans to split Skubal and Valdez in the rotation. For the first three trips through the rotation, the Tigers have pitched the lefty aces in back-to-back games, similar to how the rotation would be set for any postseason series.
That setup won’t last forever.
It could change sooner rather than later.
“Eventually, we will do it,” Hinch said. “It might be when we reinsert JV [Justin Verlander, eligible to return April 16 from left hip inflammation]. I don’t know exactly how the rotation is going to play out. I think everybody always wonders if it was going to stay the same.”
Why would Hinch split Skubal and Valdez?
“It might help our bullpen,” Hinch said before Tuesday’s game. “It might impact our opponent. There are times where I would love for those guys to go back-to-back. When you’re running in a 10, 12, 14 games in a row, which we’re going to start to do as it warms up, spreading out their innings could be an advantage.”
The Tigers boast two of the best starters among the 30 MLB teams because Valdez signed with the Tigers – not the Twins – in free agency.
His contract is worth at least two years and $80 million, which includes a $5 million buyout if he opts out, and at the most, his contract is worth four years, $165 million, which includes both options exercised and all performance bonuses unlocked.
In two starts, Valdez owns a 0.75 ERA with three walks and 10 strikeouts across 12 innings. He hasn’t been missing bats, but he continues to rank among the best in baseball at keeping the ball on the ground, posting a 55.6% ground-ball rate.
“I’m trusting my guys behind me,” Valdez said.
Valdez is enjoying his time with the Tigers.
“I feel pretty good,” Valdez said. “We get along very good. It’s a new team, new teammates, new people, new coaching staff – everybody is new. I’m just chilling and having fun over here, trying to win as many games as possible.”
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
