Free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez has reached an agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The blockbuster deal brings one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the American League to a rising Detroit rotation.
The agreement reportedly includes significant financial deferrals and provides Valdez with an opt-out clause following the second year of the contract. This structure allows the 30-year-old southpaw the opportunity to return to the open market after the 2026 season should he choose to do so. Valdez has spent his entire professional career with the Houston Astros, where he became a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion.
Known for his elite ground-ball rate and durability, Valdez has been a workhorse in the Astros rotation for the past several seasons. His addition to the Tigers signifies a major aggressive move by the front office to bolster their pitching staff with veteran postseason experience. The deal is expected to be finalized pending a standard physical examination.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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