Overview
- Detroit agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract with left-hander Framber Valdez that carries a record $38.3 million average annual value for a left-handed free agent and includes an opt-out after year two.
- The signing pairs Valdez with two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the top of the rotation and decreases the likelihood of an immediate Skubal trade, according to multiple reports.
- Skubal’s arbitration case features a $32 million player filing versus the Tigers’ $19 million figure, with a decision expected around Thursday that would set a record if the player side prevails.
- Team payroll projections surpass $200 million with Valdez and could approach the $244 million competitive-balance tax line depending on the arbitration outcome, local reporting notes.
- Because Valdez declined a qualifying offer, Detroit will forfeit a draft pick to Houston, and the deal reflects this offseason’s trend toward shorter, opt‑out‑heavy contracts for veteran starters.