Framber Valdez struggles in first season with the Detroit Tigers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 2:54 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Framber Valdez's contract with the Detroit Tigers has not lived up to expectations in 2026. The pitcher has a 4.35 ERA, significantly higher than his career average of 3.48, and has allowed 14 home runs this season. Valdez is also giving up more fly balls and baserunners than in previous years, which is contributing to the Tigers' struggles in the American League playoff race. Young pitchers like Troy Melton and Keider Montero are outperforming him, raising questions about his role moving forward. Valdez is under contract for two more seasons and will need to improve to regain his status as a reliable starter.
- •Framber Valdez has a 4.35 ERA in 2026, nearly a full run above his career average.
- •He has given up 14 home runs this season with over a month left in the campaign.
- •Younger pitchers like Troy Melton and Keider Montero are out-performing Valdez.
- •Valdez's contract runs for two more seasons at $38.3 million annually.
- •His recent performance has raised doubts about his effectiveness in the Tigers' rotation.
- 2:54 PMYahoo Sports — Framber Valdez Contract Dragging Down Detroit Tigers
"Though still in its first season, the Framber Valdez contract that the Detroit Tigers signed in February is already aging very poorly. The former Houston Astros ace has been giving up many more fly balls than in years past, and hasn't been able to be the stopper that the team thought they were signing. Young …
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