Tigers' Framber Valdez Set for Spring Debut Against Braves
In the world of baseball, spring training is where the groundwork for the season is laid, and the Detroit Tigers are making moves to ensure they're ready for the challenges ahead. Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez is set to make his first start of the 2026 spring training on March 2 against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.
Valdez joins a rotation that has already seen action from Jack Flaherty, Tarik Skubal, and Casey Mize, with Justin Verlander rounding out the group. Valdez, at 32, recently threw over 30 pitches in a live batting practice, a crucial step in his preparation for the season.
Manager A.J. Hinch emphasized the importance of this phase, noting, "It was the next step of his progression to build up some tolerance. Pitching with no adrenaline and no crowd, I see it as a general next step in spring training."
After his outing against the Braves, Valdez will accompany the Tigers to the Dominican Republic for a special two-game series against Team Dominican Republic. While he won’t take the mound, the trip holds personal significance for Valdez, who hails from Sabana Grande de Palenque, just 30 miles from Santo Domingo. "He's excited to go home for a couple of days to see his family," Hinch shared.
Looking ahead, Valdez is on track to start the Tigers' home opener on April 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park. Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal has been tapped as the Opening Day starter on March 26 against the San Diego Padres.
Valdez's journey to Detroit began with a significant free agency signing in early February, securing a two-year, $75 million contract. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and options extending into 2028 and 2029, reflecting the Tigers' confidence in his abilities.
Before joining the Tigers, Valdez was a stalwart for the Houston Astros, where he spent eight seasons. His consistency on the mound is evident, as he's one of five lefties to achieve at least 350 innings with a sub-3.50 ERA over the past two seasons. In 2025, Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA with 187 strikeouts over 192 innings, marking his fourth straight season surpassing 175 innings.
As the Tigers gear up for the season, Valdez's presence in the rotation adds depth and reliability, making him a key player to watch as the games unfold.