𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

DETROIT — It’s funny how the narrative of an offseason can change in an instant. Such was the case Wednesday night when news broke of the Tigers signing All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez.

The Tigers agreed to a three-year, $115 million deal with Valdez, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. The contract includes deferrals and an opt-out after the second year.

Like that, a team that seemed content running back a nearly identical roster to last season’s instead acquired another major piece. Like that, an executive facing criticism for caution made the biggest move of his tenure. Like that, a team dealing with budget uncertainty went out and cut their largest check in years. And now, a team that went to an arbitration hearing with its undisputed ace could enter the season with a 1-2 punch as good as any in the American League.

The contract signals a serious statement for the Tigers and president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Despite an offseason where the Tigers mostly sat out negotiations for Alex Bregman, despite a winter where keeping Gleyber Torres and Jack Flaherty were sold as underrated moves, the Tigers made an aggressive, external signing after all.

Still, Valdez does not come without baggage.

Originally, The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected Valdez to receive a deal worth at least seven years and $196 million. Concerns about his makeup — namely, Valdez’s odd reaction last season after an apparent cross-up that led to catcher César Salazar taking a baseball in the chest — might have led to a diminished market. His 8.5 percent walk rate last season was his highest in four years.

Valdez, though, has a relationship with manager A.J. Hinch, who formerly managed Valdez in Houston. Provided the Tigers keep Tarik Skubal, and with the likes of Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize and Reese Olson in line behind Valdez, the Tigers could be equipped to make a run at an AL Central title through the strength of their pitching alone.

The 32-year-old comes to the Tigers with two All-Star appearances, a World Series title and a no-hitter already to his name. He and Skubal (whose arbitration outcome is expected to become public Thursday) are both left-handers, setting up the Tigers well against lefty-heavy teams like the division rival Cleveland Guardians.

Valdez carded a 3.66 ERA last season and has had sub-3 ERAs in two of the past four seasons. He is solid and reliable more than utterly dominant. His strikeout rate ranks toward the middle of the pack. But he throws a forceful sinker and a nasty curveball and induces groundballs at an elite rate.

The deal is the largest Tigers contract Harris has signed in both years and dollars. It is the franchise’s largest contract since former general manager Al Avila signed Javier Báez to a six-year, $140 million deal before the 2022 season. Because Valdez was attached to a qualifying offer, this marks the first time the Tigers will have to forfeit a draft pick for a free agent in Harris’ tenure.

While the Tigers let their young position core marinate, they will look to the addition of Valdez to raise the bar for a pitching staff that struggled last season.

Despite the presence of Skubal, the Tigers ranked only 11th in ERA. Their staff was thinned and battered toward the end of the year. Valdez gives them not only a reinforcement but an upgrade. He strengthens their pitching spine in 2026 and could also give them support for the future. Skubal, Mize and Flaherty are all set to be free agents at the end of the season.

Valdez will be in Detroit for at least two years, with talented young right-hander Jackson Jobe set to return from Tommy John surgery at some point in this year’s second half.

For all the angst fans experienced in a mostly sleepy winter, the Tigers have always prided themselves on being opportunistic. They pounced last year on a reunion with Flaherty after his market tanked. They made an even bigger leap this season with Valdez.

This signing is not without risk. But some risks are well worth taking.

The question now: Will it be the sort of move that puts the Tigers over the top?