Framber Valdez, the standout left-handed pitcher previously with the Houston Astros, has secured a significant three-year contract worth $115 million with the Detroit Tigers, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Wednesday. This deal marks a historic achievement for Valdez as it gives him the highest average annual value (AAV) ever for a left-handed pitcher and for a Latin American player.
At 32 years old, Valdez enters free agency following a remarkable career in Houston. He has consistently displayed his prowess, maintaining an impressive average ERA in the high-2s to mid-3s, with an overall average of 3.20 since 2021. This impressive performance is largely due to his league-leading ground ball rate during the same period. His pitching repertoire was strengthened in 2025, with an increase in the velocity of his renowned sinker.
The Astros had offered Valdez a $22.025 million qualifying offer, which he declined prior to the Nov. 18 deadline. Given that he has signed with a new team, Houston will receive a compensatory draft pick after the competitive balance round B, roughly around the 75th selection.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2020, Valdez has established himself among the elite, tied for the most wins in Major League Baseball with 73. He is also ranked sixth in pitcher WAR (20.3), fifth in total innings pitched (973), and leads the league in ground ball rate at 62%. Notably, he led the American League with 201⅓ innings pitched in 2022, showcasing his durability and reliability.
In the postseason, Valdez excels even further, ranking first in key categories such as wins (seven) and innings pitched (85.0), while making 16 starts. He has twice been named an All-Star and has garnered votes for the AL MVP and AL Cy Young Awards in multiple seasons, peaking at a fifth-place finish for the Cy Young in 2022.
Valdez began his journey as a professional player after signing with the Astros as an international free agent in 2015, making his Major League debut in 2018 and playing a pivotal role in the Astros’ World Series victory in 2022.
This new chapter for Valdez with the Tigers not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also underscores his value as a top pitcher in Major League Baseball.