Tigers Bolster Rotation with Framber Valdez Signing

Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty welcome new teammate as Detroit builds playoff-caliber staff

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Detroit Tigers have made a major splash in free agency, signing star left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract. Valdez, an eight-year veteran, joins a Tigers rotation that already features back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and veteran Jack Flaherty. The trio is poised to lead Detroit's playoff push in 2026.

Why it matters

The Tigers' rotation overhaul signals their intent to contend in the American League Central after missing the playoffs in recent seasons. Valdez's arrival eases the burden on Skubal, who just set a record with a $32 million arbitration salary, and gives Detroit a formidable trio atop their staff.

The details

The Tigers signed Valdez, who was widely considered the top free agent pitcher available, to a three-year, $115 million deal that includes an opt-out after the second season. The move came just before Skubal's record-setting $32 million arbitration salary was announced, showing Detroit's willingness to spend big to improve their roster. Skubal and Flaherty have both welcomed Valdez to the team, with Skubal joking that 'Dinner's on you' in reference to Valdez's contract.

  • On Wednesday, the Tigers signed Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract.
  • On Thursday, it was revealed that Tarik Skubal had won his arbitration case, setting a record with a $32 million salary for 2026.

The players

Framber Valdez

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who was widely regarded as the best free agent pitcher available this offseason. Valdez is an eight-year MLB veteran who has made two All-Star teams and won a World Series with the Houston Astros.

Tarik Skubal

A left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has won back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards. Skubal just set a record with a $32 million arbitration salary for the 2026 season.

Jack Flaherty

A right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is looking to bounce back in 2026 after a down year. Flaherty is expected to be a key part of the Tigers' playoff-caliber rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Dinner's on you”

— Tarik Skubal (Instagram)

“Dinner's on Skub and Framber”

— Jack Flaherty (Instagram)

What’s next

The Tigers will look to continue building a playoff-caliber roster around their new-look starting rotation as Spring Training approaches.

The takeaway

The Tigers have made a bold move to improve their starting pitching, assembling a formidable trio of Skubal, Valdez, and Flaherty that should give them a chance to contend in the AL Central in 2026.