Framber Valdez's Tigers contract makes history in multiple ways

Framber Valdez. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Left-hander Framber Valdez's contract with Tigers makes history in multiple ways

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 8:02 AM ET

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly adding a massive arm to their starting rotation.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Tigers and Framber Valdez have reached an agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract.

Valdez has spent his whole major league career with the Houston Astros. He was signed as an international free agent in 2015 and made his MLB debut in 2018.

A 32-year-old lefty from the Dominican Republic, Valdez is a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion.

He boasts an 81-52 career record with a 3.36 ERA.

Breaking: Star left-hander Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract, sources tell @JeffPassan.

Get breaking news alerts from Jeff Passan through the ESPN App: https://t.co/DoBzGLeRbb pic.twitter.com/Hz0XUIGZVi
— ESPN (@espn) February 5, 2026

Detroit Tigers make huge move by signing LHP Framber Valdez

According to ESPN, Valdez's new contract will boast the highest average annual value ever for a left-handed pitcher. He's also just become the highest-paid Latin American pitcher in MLB history.

Before hitting free agency, the Astros tendered him a $22.025 million qualifying offer, but he declined that. As a result of his signing with Detroit, the Astros will receive a compensatory selection after the Competitive Balance Round B in the 2026 MLB Draft. That is expected to be around pick No. 75.

Since becoming a full-time starting pitcher in 2020, Valdez is tied for first in wins (73), sixth in pitcher WAR (20.3), fifth in innings pitched (973) and first in ground-ball rate (62.%).

Now there are only two questions for the Tigers, and they both involve Detroit's current Cy Young pitcher, Tarik Skubal.

The first: Who will pitch on Opening Day?

The second: How will the Tigers be able to afford Skubal moving forward? He's set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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