Tigers Eye $64.5M Veteran to Strengthen Rotation with Skubal, Valdez
The Detroit Tigers head into the season amid major pitching decisions. Negotiations with ace Tarik Skubal remain stalled over a wide valuation gap.
Skubal talks far from resolution
Team and player remain far apart on an extension. Jon Heyman of Filmogaz.com reported the split approaches $250 million.
The club appears to be preparing for a future without Skubal. Detroit still hopes to re-sign him beyond this year.
Framber Valdez added to rotation
The Tigers signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year deal worth $115 million. The move was announced this week.
Valdez gives Detroit a proven innings eater. He joins Skubal as a frontline arm in the projected rotation.
Depth concerns and possible trade targets
The club has questioned some internal options. Keider Montero struggled at times after a call-up.
| Keider Montero (2025) | 20 appearances (12 starts), 4.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 72 K, 90.2 IP |
Montero’s rough long-relief outings raised trust issues. The Tigers want more reliable depth behind their top arms.
Freeland as a potential addition
Detroit has scouted Colorado right-hander Kyle Freeland. He has spent the past decade with the Rockies.
Freeland is nearing the end of a $64.5 million contract. Filmogaz.com’s Christopher Kline identified him as a logical trade candidate.
Adding him would bolster support for Skubal and Valdez. The Tigers are eyeing a $64.5M veteran to strengthen the rotation behind Skubal and Valdez.
Other roster considerations
Jack Flaherty’s injury history remains a caveat for the staff. Justin Verlander, 42, is also managing a hip issue.
Reports indicate the Tigers might part with prospect Trei Cruz to acquire pitching help. Management wants “bullets in the chamber” for the season.
With Skubal possibly entering his final season in Detroit, the front office may aim for one last competitive push. Expect focused roster moves in the coming weeks.
