Detroit Tigers Sign Framber Valdez to 3-Year, $115M Deal

Signing of All-Star lefty marks biggest free-agent move of Scott Harris' tenure as Tigers president of baseball operations.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:39pm

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The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract with All-Star left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, according to league sources. The deal includes deferrals and an opt-out after the second year. The signing marks the biggest free-agent move of Scott Harris' tenure as Tigers president of baseball operations and signals an aggressive offseason for the team.

Why it matters

The Tigers' signing of Valdez is a significant statement move that bolsters their pitching staff and gives them a formidable 1-2 punch atop the rotation alongside Tarik Skubal. Despite an offseason of relative inactivity, the Tigers have now made their biggest free-agent splash in years, showing a willingness to spend big to improve the team.

The details

Valdez, a two-time All-Star, comes to Detroit with a World Series title and a no-hitter already on his resume. The 32-year-old left-hander had a 3.66 ERA last season and has posted sub-3.00 ERAs in two of the past four seasons. He is known for his sinker and curveball, which help him induce groundballs at an elite rate. The Tigers' rotation now features Valdez, Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and top prospect Jackson Jobe, who is set to return from Tommy John surgery later this year.

  • The Tigers agreed to the three-year, $115 million deal with Framber Valdez on February 4, 2026.

The players

Framber Valdez

A two-time All-Star left-handed pitcher who has won a World Series and thrown a no-hitter in his career.

Tarik Skubal

The Tigers' undisputed ace, who is expected to form a formidable 1-2 punch with Valdez atop the Detroit rotation.

Scott Harris

The Tigers' president of baseball operations, who has now made the biggest free-agent signing of his tenure with the Valdez deal.

A.J. Hinch

The Tigers' manager, who previously managed Valdez with the Houston Astros and has a relationship with the pitcher.

Jack Flaherty

A talented young right-hander who is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, along with Skubal and Mize.

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What they’re saying

“The contract signals a serious statement for the Tigers and president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Despite an offseason where the Tigers mostly sat out negotiations for Alex Bregman, despite a winter where keeping Gleyber Torres and Jack Flaherty were sold as underrated moves, the Tigers made an aggressive, external signing after all.”

— Cody Stavenhagen, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Tigers will now look to Valdez and their talented young pitching staff to lead them to an AL Central title in 2026. The team's arbitration hearing with Tarik Skubal is expected to be resolved on Thursday, providing further clarity on the team's pitching plans for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Tigers' signing of Framber Valdez represents a significant investment and a clear statement of intent from the organization. After a relatively quiet offseason, this move shows that the Tigers are willing to spend big to improve their team and compete for a playoff spot in 2026.