Beyond the win-loss record, Detroit’s high-priced southpaw overcame a stagnant offense and a disastrous early outing to prove he remains a dominant, durable force in the rotation.
Back in February 2026, the Tigers shocked the baseball world by signing starting pitcher Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million deal.
The signing looked somewhat preemptive, with Detroit understanding that the chances of both ace Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize remaining Tigers for the entirety of the season were slim.
While the Tigers certainly needed another bat, an extra power hitter and someone who could consistently find a way to get on base, they instead added one of the hardest-throwing and most deceptive pitchers in Major League Baseball while also preparing to add another veteran starter in Justin Verlander.
Valdez obviously couldn't pick up a bat and help Detroit's offense, but despite some of the criticism surrounding his performance, he actually put together a fairly solid first season with the Tigers.
Valdez’s Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Valdez was probably hoping for more Cy Young-caliber numbers when he arrived in Detroit, ultimately finishing the season with a 10-12 record.
However, not all of those losses can truly be placed on Valdez. The Tigers' offense struggled to provide consistent run support throughout the season, leaving the starting pitching with little room for error.
That was especially true for Valdez, who also dealt with plenty of frustration from fans because of what was happening around him and within the organization.
One of the biggest blemishes on his season came when Valdez allowed six runs in the first inning and lasted just two-thirds of an inning. It was by far his worst outing of the entire season and a performance that seemed to amplify the criticism surrounding him.
But Valdez responded.
A Strong Finish to the Season
Valdez’s next 11 starts showed a much different pitcher.
In eight of those 11 starts, he worked at least 5.2 innings. He went six or more innings in six of them and reached at least seven innings three times.
Overall, 22 of Valdez’s final 23 starts lasted at least five innings while allowing four or fewer earned runs. The only exception was that disastrous six-run first inning.
Over his final four starts of the season, Valdez allowed just six runs while striking out 19 batters, putting on a showcase of what he can still bring to the Tigers moving forward.
As the season progressed, Valdez continued to work on his pitches and gain confidence, particularly with his curveball, allowing him to consistently find ways to sit down opposing hitters.
In his final game of the season, Valdez went 5.1 innings at Comerica Park, allowing just two earned runs on four hits.
Detroit’s Rotation Will Need Him
Valdez may not have ultimately been the player Tigers fans expected when Detroit signed him, but there were clear signs throughout the season that he was finding a home in Detroit and learning how to succeed with his new organization.
There were moments early in the year when it appeared the Tigers could have done more to stand behind him, particularly after an on-field incident, but as the season continued, Valdez began to look more comfortable.
Now, with Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize no longer in the Tigers' plans, Detroit may have to rely heavily on Valdez and its young pitching talent to keep the team in games next season.
Valdez finished 2026 with a 10-12 record, a 4.03 ERA and 135 strikeouts across 31 starts.
Those numbers may not have been what the Tigers envisioned when they handed him a $115 million contract, but his finish to the season provided reason to believe Valdez can still play an important role in Detroit's future.
