The Detroit Tigers have made a bold move by securing the services of ace left-handed starter Framber Valdez for three years and $115 million. This deal comes as a surprise, especially considering the Tigers were awaiting an arbitration ruling on their ace lefty Tarik Skubal's contract. The Tigers' quick decision to sign Valdez, who was the top starting pitcher still on the free agent market, showcases their commitment to building a strong starting rotation. With Valdez, the Tigers gain a reliable workhorse who has consistently pitched at least 192 innings over the last four seasons. His impressive performance, including a 3.23 ERA over 973 innings since 2020, makes him a valuable addition to the team. The deal includes deferrals and an opt-out after the second year, and Valdez's average annual salary of $38.3 million is the fifth highest for a pitcher in the MLB. However, the Tigers will have to give up a draft pick in the fourth round due to Valdez's decision not to accept the Astros' qualifying offer. This move raises questions about the Tigers' strategy and the potential impact on their future draft picks. The team now heads into camp with a formidable starting rotation, featuring Skubal, Valdez, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, among others. The Tigers' decision to sign Valdez is a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how it affects their future plans and the team's overall performance.
