The Tigers have secured a blockbuster deal, acquiring left-handed starter Framber Valdez for three years and $115 million. This move comes as a surprise, especially while they awaited an arbitration ruling for ace lefty Tarik Skubal. The Tigers' swift agreement with Valdez, who was the top starting pitcher on the free agent market, includes a $20 million signing bonus and deferrals, with an opt-out after the second year. The $38.3 million average annual salary is a significant commitment, ranking as the fifth highest for a pitcher and the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher. The deal was made with the knowledge that the Tigers might pay Skubal $32 million this season, and the arbitration panel's verdict was still pending. Valdez, 32, has been a consistent and durable performer, pitching at least 192 innings in three of the last four seasons. He boasts a strong ERA of 3.23 over 973 innings since 2020 and has a proven track record in the postseason, including a World Series win with the Astros in 2022. His pitching repertoire includes a 94-mph sinker, curveball, and changeup, resulting in a 59% groundball rate and a 43.7% whiff rate with his curveball last season. The Tigers' starting rotation now features a formidable lineup with Skubal, Valdez, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, plus Reese Olson, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, and Drew Anderson. However, the Tigers will lose a draft pick next season due to Valdez's decision not to accept the Astros' qualifying offer.
