Report: Tigers land Valdez on 3-year, $115M deal

The Detroit Tigers and two-time All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez agreed to a three-year, $115-million contract, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Valdez's reported $38.3-million average annual value sets a new record for both left-hand pitchers and Latin American hurlers.

The 32-year-old's pact includes deferrals and an opt-out clause after the second season, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Valdez gets a $20-million signing bonus as part of the contract, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

The pitcher recently met with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, which helped the sides reach a deal, according to Heyman. The two know each other from their time with the Houston Astros.

Detroit's reported addition of Valdez comes on the same day the club had its arbitration hearing with ace Tarik Skubal. The reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner will either make $32 million or $19 million in 2026, with the decision expected Thursday. The 29-year-old can test free agency next offseason.

The Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly among the clubs that showed interest in Valdez before his agreement with the Tigers.

The Orioles could now pivot to right-hander Zac Gallen, with whom the team has been in discussions, sources told The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka.

Valdez owns a career 3.36 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 8.8 K/9 across eight years with the Astros, including a 2022 World Series title. He ranks fifth in fWAR among all starting pitchers over the last four seasons.