Tigers Land Ace Framber Valdez With Three-Year, $115 Million Deal

Detroit Tigers have made a major splash in the MLB offseason, agreeing to terms with All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez on a three-year, $115 million contract, according to sources reported by ESPN. The deal instantly bolsters Detroit's rotation and signals the club’s intent to contend in the American League Central.

Valdez, 32, has been one of the premier southpaws in Major League Baseball over the past several seasons. His consistency and durability were key assets for his previous club, and the Tigers have now invested heavily to bring him aboard as a frontline starter. The contract’s value, averaging just over $38 million per year, places Valdez among the highest-paid pitchers in the league on an annual basis.

• The three-year pact is worth $115 million total
• Valdez’s annual average value (AAV) is over $38 million
• He immediately slots in as Detroit’s ace

Valdez's arrival addresses a longstanding need for the Tigers, who have been seeking a dominant, veteran presence to anchor their rotation as their young core develops. The move is seen around the league as a signal that the team is ready to accelerate its rebuild and push for playoff contention.

The left-hander is coming off several strong campaigns, building a reputation as a workhorse who combines strikeout stuff with the ability to generate ground balls at an elite rate. While his full 2025 statistics were not immediately available at press time, his recent track record has placed him among the top pitchers in the American League.

This signing marks one of the largest contracts ever given by the Tigers to a pitcher. For Valdez, the deal offers both financial security and the opportunity to lead a storied franchise back to postseason relevance.