As Detroit Tigers fans await the arbitration decision on back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, the organization decided to make a free agency splash on the pitching side in signing one of the best left-handed pitchers on the market in former Houston Astro Framber Valdez to a three-year deal.
Framber Valdez was the best free agent left on the market, and Detroit gave him a $38.3 million annual salary. There is an opt-out in the contract after the second season, sources said. Valdez waited until he eve of spring training but wound up with a strong outcome regardless.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2026
The 32-year-old Valdez is a two-time All-Star and a World Series Champion with the Astros in 2022.
During his eight seasons in Houston, Valdez compiled a 3.36 ERA to go with an 81-52 record with over 1,000 strikeouts and just under 400 walks.
Regardless of what happens with Skubal going forward, Tigers fans can now argue that they have the best 1-2 punch on the mound and the best two lefties in the game for the 2026 season.
