The Detroit Tigers bolstered their pitching staff this offseason by signing Framber Valdez, a top left-hander and one of the most reliable starters in Major League Baseball. Joining forces with reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Valdez is set to become a premier No. 2 starter for Detroit as they aim for a strong 2026 campaign. Tigers manager AJ Hinch shared his thoughts about the signing on MLB Network Radio.
The Building Process Behind the Valdez Signing
Hinch revealed that discussions around Valdez began early in the offseason amidst uncertainty about the player’s preferences and the free-agent market conditions.
“We started talking about him early in the offseason and just not knowing how the offseason was gonna go, not knowing how the markets were gonna go, not knowing if it fit with the player. When the player is a free agent, he has a choice,”
Hinch explained.
“You gotta be the choice. You gotta be an environment that he wants to come to.”
Valdez’s Proven Record and Impact on the Tigers
At 32 years old, Valdez offers the Tigers a dependable arm, having posted a 3.66 ERA over 31 appearances last season. His credentials include two All-Star selections and a World Series championship, making him a valuable addition to Detroit’s rotation.
Reflecting on the final stages of the signing, Hinch expressed growing excitement about solidifying the team’s rotation.
“When it all started to come together towards the latter part of the offseason, I was pretty excited,”
he said.
“I got a little bit eager to put a rotation together with him and (other Tigers starters)… So for us, adding him to this team, I think really makes us a formidable team.”
Looking Ahead to a Competitive 2026 Season
With Valdez joining the rotation alongside Skubal, the Tigers are optimistic about contending for the American League Central division title next year. The competition remains stiff, however, as the Kansas City Royals have also strengthened their roster and the Cleveland Guardians continue to pose a formidable challenge.
"When the free agent has a choice, you've got to be the choice."
AJ Hinch on the @Tigers bringing Framber Valdez to Detroit:#Tigers #SpringTrainingTour
🔗 https://t.co/WG5zyiVTKm pic.twitter.com/6EiMtOG4em— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 25, 2026
