The Detroit Tigers could be poised to shock Major League Baseball by signing one of the top remaining free agents on the market. After coming within one win of the 2025 American League Championship Series, Detroit has taken a relatively quiet approach this offseason.
Outside of bullpen additions Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan, the Tigers have avoided major spending. However, that restraint may soon change as the organization looks to strengthen its starting rotation and solidify its status as an AL contender.
Tigers Linked to Framber Valdez in Free Agency
According to Bleacher Report, the Tigers have emerged as a dark-horse candidate to sign former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez. ESPN previously ranked Valdez as the top free-agent pitcher available and projected he could command a six-year, $168 million contract ($28 million AAV).
That projection, however, now appears unlikely.
At 32 years old, Valdez remains highly effective and durable, but several teams are reportedly hesitant to offer a long-term deal to a veteran starter. This hesitation could open the door for Detroit to step in with a shorter-term, high AAV contract, a strategy that Bleacher Report suggests fits the Tigers well.
Such a move would immediately give Tarik Skubal much-needed support in the rotation and provide insurance should the Cy Young Award winner depart after the 2026 season.
Detroit Tigers Have Financial Flexibility to Make a Bold Move
While the idea of Detroit signing Valdez may surprise some fans, the Tigers have both payroll flexibility and precedent on their side.
In 2025, Detroit ranked just 17th in MLB payroll, despite being a legitimate playoff contender. The club has also been linked to other high-profile free agents this offseason, including Alex Bregman and Harrison Bader, signaling a willingness to spend.
A comparable situation recently unfolded with the Astros, who signed Japanese star Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal, despite expectations he would receive a longer contract elsewhere. Valdez could find himself in a similar position as teams prioritize flexibility over long-term risk.
The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are also reportedly interested in Valdez, but both clubs are wary of long-term commitments to veteran pitchers—potentially giving Detroit an edge.
Tigers Rotation Desperately Needs a True No. 2 Starter
Adding Framber Valdez would address one of the Tigers’ most glaring weaknesses: the lack of a reliable No. 2 starting pitcher behind Skubal.
While Jack Flaherty is often slotted into that role, the veteran led MLB with 15 losses in 2025, highlighting the inconsistency behind Detroit’s ace. Skubal, meanwhile, dominated the league with a 6.5 WAR, far surpassing any other Tigers starter. No other regular pitcher on the staff posted a WAR higher than 1.7.
Pairing Skubal with Valdez, who recorded a 3.8 WAR, would give Detroit one of the strongest one-two punches in the American League—even if only for a single season.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Tigers may not be done making moves. If Framber Valdez is open to a shorter, high-value contract, Detroit has both the financial means and competitive incentive to strike. A deal would immediately elevate the rotation and send a clear message that the Tigers are serious about contending in 2026 and beyond.
