Tigers' contract details for Framber Valdez make for absurd record-breaking deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers haven't been the biggest spenders one way or the other this offseason. They've added a few nice bullpen pieces in Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan, but that's been it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith the Tarik Skubal contract situation looming over the Tigers, figuring out what to do with the team was a big issue. But, apparently, after his hearing, the Tigers have made their decision.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Tigers are making a major splash, as they're in agreement on a contract with former Houston Astros lefty ace Framber Valdez. But, how much is Valdez getting? The contract details for this Tigers-Valdez deal are absurd.
Tigers to sign Framber Valdez to absurd contract
"BREAKING: Star left-hander Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a three-year, $115 million contract, sources tell ESPN," Passan reports.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis is an absurd contract for Valdez. A three-year, $115 million contract means that in year one, Valdez will be making $38.3 million, and if he stays under contract for all three years, he's going to make nearly $40 million per-year.
It's a massive contract for the Tigers to hand out, and it makes for a stunning one-two punch with Skubal atop the starting rotation.
After a lackluster offseason and not being linked to Valdez in recent days, this deal comes out of nowhere, and the contract details are just as stunning.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Valdez's market not developing like many expected, being the last remaining big-name free agent on the board, this deal is a very strong one for the veteran lefty.
He's 32 years old and will be in Detroit for the next three seasons. OF course, there is more nuance to this deal.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Valdez's deal has an opt-out after the second season and deferrals. The specific amount deferred isn't known yet, but regardless, this is still a massive deal for the Tigers.
The absurd $38.3 million per-year for Valdez is a lot of money. He's a good pitcher, with a career 3.36 ERA in eight years for the Astros with two All-Stars and 81 wins.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut this massive contract is a huge financial commitment from the Tigers, and one that wasn't expected based on their spending this offseason.
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