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Tigers Shatter Payroll: Valdez Deal Rewrites History
5 Feb
Summary
- Valdez signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers.
- This contract sets a new average annual value for left-handed pitchers.
- The signing signals a significant shift in the Tigers' spending philosophy.
The Detroit Tigers have significantly altered their offseason approach by acquiring elite left-hander Framber Valdez on a three-year, $115 million contract. This landmark deal, including an opt-out after the second year and deferred money, establishes a new record for average annual value for a left-handed pitcher and any Latin American pitcher.
Under president of baseball operations Scott Harris, this move signifies a bold shift from Detroit's historically frugal spending habits. Previously, the Tigers rarely committed to deals exceeding $40 million per year for free agents. Valdez, a two-time All-Star and key member of the 2022 World Series championship team with the Houston Astros, brings a proven track record of performance and durability to Detroit's pitching staff.
This strategic investment not only strengthens the Tigers' rotation, now headlined by AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, but also signals their readiness to compete more aggressively. The deal's structure offers flexibility while managing long-term risk, reflecting an adjusted market dynamic for the front office. The addition positions Detroit with one of the American League's deeper starting staffs.
