Tigers Sign Framber Valdez to Record-Breaking Contract

Detroit's new deal with the star pitcher includes deferred money, opt-outs, and performance escalators.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers have signed pitcher Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, the richest free-agent deal for a pitcher in franchise history. The contract includes modern financial structures like deferred money, opt-outs, and performance-based escalators, signaling a philosophical shift for the traditionally conservative Tigers organization.

Why it matters

This deal represents a significant change in the Tigers' approach to free agency, as the team looks to maximize its competitive window by utilizing creative contract structures more commonly seen with big-market teams. Pairing Valdez with Tarik Skubal gives Detroit a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation as they aim to contend for a championship.

The details

Valdez's contract includes a $37.5 million salary in each of the 2026 and 2027 seasons, plus a $35 million player option for 2028. Of his 2026 salary, $20 million will be classified as a signing bonus and deferred, with payments beginning in 2030. The deal also features a mutual option for 2029 valued at $40 million, as well as several performance escalators worth up to $4 million.

  • Valdez's contract is a three-year deal that runs from 2026 through 2028.

The players

Framber Valdez

A left-handed pitcher who has emerged as one of the top starters in Major League Baseball.

Tarik Skubal

The Tigers' other ace, who will form a formidable one-two punch with Valdez atop the Detroit rotation.

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What’s next

The Tigers will look to build around their new ace duo of Valdez and Skubal as they aim to contend for a championship in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

The Tigers' signing of Framber Valdez to a record-breaking contract signals a new era of financial creativity and aggressiveness for the traditionally conservative franchise. By utilizing modern contract structures, Detroit is positioning itself to maximize its competitive window and challenge the league's top teams.