The Tigers have secured a blockbuster three-year, $115 million contract with left-handed starter Framber Valdez, plus a $20 million signing bonus. This deal, confirmed by a source, comes as the Tigers awaited an arbitration ruling for ace lefty Tarik Skubal, who was seeking a $13 million raise. The agreement, finalized after a meeting with manager AJ Hinch, includes deferrals and an opt-out after the second year, pending a physical. With an average annual salary of $38.3 million, Valdez's contract is the highest ever for a left-handed pitcher, surpassing the previous record holder, Justin Verlander. The Tigers, despite the potential cost of $32 million for Skubal this season, have assembled a formidable starting rotation with Valdez, Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, along with Reese Olson, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, and Drew Anderson. However, the Tigers will lose a draft pick in the fourth round due to Valdez's rejection of the Astros' qualifying offer. Valdez, a two-time All-Star, boasts a 94-mph sinker, curveball, and changeup mix, with a 59% groundball rate and a 43.7% whiff rate with his curveball last season. His impressive performance, including a 3.23 ERA over 973 innings since 2020, makes him a valuable addition to the Tigers' lineup.
