Framber Valdez, the veteran left-handed pitcher, is reportedly set to join the Detroit Tigers in a three-year, $115 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. This move comes as a surprise to many, given the recent rumors surrounding Tarik Skubal's future with the team. But here's where it gets interesting: while Skubal has been a standout performer, Valdez offers a unique blend of performance and durability that could be just what the Tigers need.
Valdez, who made his MLB debut in 2018, has been a consistent force in the Astros' bullpen and rotation. His 2021 season was a breakout, posting a 3.14 ERA in 134.2 innings. The real standout is his 2022 postseason performance, where he helped the Astros win the World Series with a 1.44 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25 innings.
Despite a soft offseason for free-agent pitchers, Valdez stands out as a top talent. Since 2021, he ranks fifth in innings pitched, fourth in ERA, and seventh in FanGraphs' wins above replacement (minimum 800 innings). This consistency and durability are what make Valdez a valuable asset.
What's more, Valdez's success isn't just limited to his ERA. He's equally effective against right-handed hitters, with a .643 OPS, and has only allowed 17 homers to left-handed hitters in his career. This makes him a versatile and reliable option for the Tigers' rotation.
The Tigers are making a smart move by upgrading their rotation with Valdez. Even as his velocity declines, the sink he generates on the ball will keep him effective. While the focus has been on Skubal, the reality is that the Tigers' rotation behind him is not very strong. With Valdez, they have a reliable and consistent option to bolster their playoff hopes in the AL Central.
