Star free agent pitcher Framber Valdez signs massive new contract
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Victor William
Feb 4, 2026 (8:59 PM)
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Photo credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Framber Valdez is officially heading to the Motor City and the silence from Toronto’s front office is becoming deafening for a fanbase craving action.
The Detroit Tigers just stunned the baseball world by handing the southpaw a massive three-year, $115 million contract.
BREAKING: Star left-hander Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Valdez, 32, gets the highest AAV ever for a left-handed pitcher as well as the highest for a Latin American pitcher. Huge move for Detroit.
This is not just a signing; it is a statement that Detroit is ready to dominate the American League Central immediately.
For Blue Jays fans, this news hits hard after weeks of speculation linking the durable lefty to the Six.
Valdez gets the highest average annual value ever for a left-handed pitcher, a price Toronto evidently wasn't willing to match.
Framber Valdez (Signed as International Free Agent, 2015 by Houston) brings a championship pedigree that is impossible to replicate.
He is coming off another workhorse campaign in 2025, posting a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA over 192 innings.
While his strikeout numbers remained solid (187 K), it is his ground-ball ability that makes him such a unique weapon.
The Tigers are spending like contenders while Toronto watches
It is incredibly frustrating to see a team like Detroit muscle their way to the table while the Jays seemingly hesitate.
Jeff Passan's report confirms the staggering financial commitment, noting this is also a record deal for a Latin American pitcher.
The "Eye Test" on social media shows Tigers fans erupting in joy, while Jays timelines are filled with familiar questions about "Plan B."
Valdez was the perfect fit to slot in near the top of the rotation and eat innings to save the bullpen.
Now, he will be doing that against the Jays, likely dominating hitters with that heavy sinker in a Tigers uniform.
At 32 years old, he is still in his prime and brings a level of durability that is rare in modern baseball.
Toronto must pivot quickly, because the shelf of elite pitching talent is looking emptier by the hour.
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa signs surprising deal with Blue Jays divisional rival
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4|333 ANSWERS Star free agent pitcher Framber Valdez signs massive new contract Do you think the Blue Jays made a mistake by not matching Detroit's offer? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 39.3 % |
| No | 202 | 60.7 % |
| List of polls | ||