Tigers Confirm Framber Valdez as No. 2 Starter for 2026 Season

Manager AJ Hinch reveals Valdez will slot in behind Tarik Skubal in the rotation, forming a powerful one-two punch.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:19pm

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The Detroit Tigers have officially announced that offseason acquisition Framber Valdez will occupy the No. 2 spot in their starting rotation behind two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Manager AJ Hinch considered splitting up the left-handed starters but ultimately decided to keep them together at the top of the rotation.

Why it matters

The addition of Valdez, a 2022 World Series champion, gives the Tigers a formidable pitching duo to lead their staff in what is expected to be a pivotal 2026 MLB campaign. Valdez's consistency and workhorse mentality should complement Skubal's dominance atop the rotation.

The details

Valdez, a two-time All-Star, is coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 3.66 ERA with 187 strikeouts in 192 innings for the Houston Astros. Despite a rough finish to the year, the Tigers are banking on the body of work Valdez has amassed over the last eight seasons in the majors. The 32-year-old did raise some eyebrows last September when he crossed up catcher Cesar Salazar, but the Tigers did not let that incident deter them from signing him in free agency.

  • Valdez will make his Tigers debut on March 27 in a road matchup against the San Diego Padres.

The players

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Framber Valdez

A 32-year-old starting pitcher who signed with the Tigers in free agency after winning the 2022 World Series with the Houston Astros.

Tarik Skubal

The two-time reigning American League Cy Young award winner, who will be the Tigers' No. 1 starter in 2026.

Justin Verlander

A returning veteran starting pitcher who will round out the Tigers' rotation in 2026.

Jack Flaherty

A returning veteran starting pitcher who will round out the Tigers' rotation in 2026.

Casey Mize

A returning veteran starting pitcher who will round out the Tigers' rotation in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.