Framber Valdez is headed to Detroit. The lefty agreed to a three-year, $115 million deal (with deferrals) that instantly reshapes the Tigers’ rotation. Pairing Valdez with Tarik Skubal gives Detroit a formidable one-two punch at the top, and signals a clear intent to push toward contention in the AL Central.
But Valdez’s decision also sheds light on how his market took shape - and who missed out.
Baltimore’s Pursuit Comes Up Short
The Orioles were one of the most consistent names linked to Valdez all offseason. And for good reason.
After a breakout 2025 campaign, Baltimore’s rotation still had room for a true ace to pair with Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. Mike Elias, the club’s president of baseball operations, knows Valdez well from their shared time in Houston, which only added fuel to the speculation.
While the O’s didn’t land Valdez, they’re not done shopping. According to multiple reports, they remain engaged in talks with Zac Gallen - arguably the top remaining arm on the market.
Gallen, like Valdez, declined a qualifying offer, meaning he’s tied to draft pick compensation. For Baltimore, signing him would cost their third-round pick (No. 82 overall).
That’s not insignificant, but for a team that’s clearly in win-now mode, it might be a price worth paying.
If Gallen’s asking price gets too steep, the Orioles have other options. Veterans like Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer are still available and wouldn’t come with a draft penalty. And with a projected luxury tax number of $189 million - about $10 million higher than where they finished in 2025 - Baltimore still has some financial wiggle room.
Unexpected Suitors Enter the Mix
While Baltimore was a logical fit, a few surprise teams reportedly jumped into the Valdez sweepstakes late.
The Pirates made a push this week, and the Twins were also involved, according to multiple reports. Minnesota even kicked the tires on Freddy Peralta before the Brewers dealt him to the Mets. It’s unclear how serious either team was in their pursuit of Valdez, but their involvement speaks to the scarcity of top-tier starting pitching on the market.
For the Twins, a Valdez signing would’ve been a stunner. Ownership has pulled back on spending, and the front office is in flux following the recent departure of president of baseball operations Derek Falvey.
The team has avoided a full-on rebuild - thanks in part to new minority investors helping to stabilize finances - but their offseason has been quiet. Outside of adding Victor Caratini, Josh Bell, and Taylor Rogers, Minnesota hasn’t done much to upgrade a roster that lost the second-most games in the American League last year and gutted its bullpen at the trade deadline.
Yankees Bow Out Early
The Yankees, meanwhile, reportedly had some interest in Valdez earlier in the offseason. They even reviewed his medicals, but that interest faded after they re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162 million deal. That contract pushed their luxury tax figure to around $330 million - a number that likely took them out of the running for another major free-agent splash.
Instead, New York pivoted by acquiring Ryan Weathers from the Marlins. The 26-year-old lefty has talent but comes with durability concerns. For now, it looks like the Yankees will lean heavily on their internal options to patch the rotation until Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are healthy.
What It All Means
Valdez landing in Detroit is a major domino in the starting pitching market, and it’s already having ripple effects. The Orioles are still hunting for a frontline starter.
The Twins and Pirates are sniffing around for upgrades, even if their paths to contention are murkier. And the Yankees - for now - are sitting tight.
With Zac Gallen still unsigned and several veteran arms lingering in free agency, the rotation market is far from settled. But one thing is clear: Valdez’s deal didn’t just boost the Tigers - it reshaped the offseason calculus for several teams across both leagues.