Framber Valdez nearly signed with Twins before landing $115M Detroit Tigers deal owner reveals

Framber Valdez has officially started a new chapter in his career after signing a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. But before landing in Detroit, another American League Central team was seriously trying to bring him in. The Minnesota Twins were among the teams pursuing the star left-hander this offseason. Twins owner Tom Pohlad revealed that the organization made a strong push to sign Valdez before he ultimately chose Detroit.

Valdez, who spent six seasons with the Houston Astros, shared a heartfelt goodbye message to Houston fans on Instagram after his deal became official. His post included moments from his Astros journey, including a photo with the 2022 World Series trophy and highlights from key games. He wrote, “Houston, I want to say thank you for giving me the chance to be an Astro, and for being part of the family since the beginning.” His message reflected gratitude as he closed one chapter and prepared to begin another in Detroit.

Twins owner Tom Pohlad says Framber Valdez was top target in free agency

As rumors surrounded Minnesota’s offseason plans, Pohlad confirmed that Valdez was viewed as the top pitcher available on the market.

“He was the best pitcher on the market at that point,” Pohlad told The Minnesota Star Tribune. “We would’ve had a hell of a 1-2-3 punch [in the rotation], and it would be crazy not to look at that.”

Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA with 187 strikeouts and a 13-11 record in 31 starts last season with Houston. The 32-year-old was considered a marquee free agent, especially for teams looking to strengthen their starting rotation.

Pohlad also said adding Valdez would have shown fans that the organization was serious about competing.

“It would’ve been fun to make a splash and show the organization and the fans that we’re committed,” Pohlad said. “I do know that payroll matters to people. It wasn’t just about adding to the payroll. It was a decision that [General Manager Jeremy Zoll] thought was in the best interest of the team, and if he thought that, then I was going to be willing to go there for us.”

Despite missing out on Valdez, Pohlad expressed confidence in Minnesota’s direction. The Twins finished 70-92 last season, fourth in the AL Central, but the owner pushed back on low expectations for 2026.

“I want to be aggressive,” Pohlad said. “That’s my personality. But there is only so much we can do given the timing that we were in. We tried to be aggressive on some things. Those things didn’t work out, and here we are. But we really like our team.”

Framber Valdez begins new chapter with Detroit Tigers

Valdez made his MLB debut with Houston in August 2018 and quickly became a core part of the rotation. During his Astros career, he earned two All-Star selections, won the 2022 World Series, and was named to the All-MLB First Team.

After entering free agency, he agreed to the major deal with Detroit on February 10. According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the contract carries the highest average annual value ever for a left-handed pitcher and also the highest among Latin American pitchers. The Tigers secured one of the top pitchers on the market, even as a division rival tried to do the same.





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