The Detroit Tigers signed pitcher Framber Valdez on February 12, 2026, with the team holding a press conference to welcome him to the organization.
Valdez explained that he chose Detroit because he believes the team can compete for championships. "I chose this team with the plan of being able to win and reach the World Series," Valdez stated during the press conference. He noted that Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch's personal recruitment visit was a key factor in his decision, saying Hinch told him, "Hey, we need you, we want you as part of the team and that made me feel good."
Valdez acknowledged that the free agency process moved slowly but remained patient throughout. "The signing process was slow, I didn't get frustrated, I simply waited for the right moment," Valdez explained. He expressed excitement about joining Detroit's rotation alongside Justin Verlander, whom he considers a mentor from their time together in Houston starting in 2017. "Having a future Hall of Famer next to you who gives you examples and you have to talk about how you have to do things is a pride," Valdez added.
Valdez has previous connections with current Tigers personnel, having played with catcher Jake Rogers in the minor leagues. "We got along very well in the minor leagues, he was a fun guy, he was funny, he was always telling jokes," Valdez mentioned. He also addressed a controversial incident from the previous season with César Salazar, calling it unintentional and noting it happened "in a moment of adrenaline, a tense moment."
During the press conference, Valdez shared the origin of his nickname "La Grasa," explaining that teammate Martín Maldonado gave him the name because "I always dressed in a lot of clothes like that, you know, I bought a lot of clothes, I used a lot of perfume and chains." The pitcher indicated he is ready to contribute to Detroit's rotation in the upcoming season.