Tigers' projected rotation after Framber Valdez deal makes best 1-2 in MLB with Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers are looking to contend in the American League Central for the division title in 2026 after their end-of-year collapse in 2025.

This time, the stress of the pitching staff won't fall solely on Tarik Skubal's shoulders. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Tigers are in agreement with former Houston Astros lefty ace Framber Valdez on a $115 million, three-year deal.

It's an absurdly expensive contract ($38.3M per-year) for Valdez, but it does make for an incredible top of the rotation. With Valdez coming to Detroit, the Tigers' 2026 projected rotation looks to be one of the best in all of MLB.

Tigers' 2026 projected rotation with Valdez, Skubal is one of best in MLB

1. Tarik Skubal
2. Framber Valdez
3. Jack Flaherty
4. Casey Mize
5. Reese Olson

This starting rotation would be an incredible one for the Tigers in 2026. Not only would Skubal, the reigning back-to-back Cy Young, give the Tigers an ace atop the rotation, but Valdez and the rest would help round out one of the best SP rooms in baseball.

Valdez is coming off a 3.66 ERA season across 31 starts, and by his standards, that's a bit under par. In his eight-year career with the Astros, Valdez has a 3.36 ERA with 81 wins, two All-Star appearances, and nine complete games.

Flaherty isn't the best rotation option, but as a third or later starter, he's a good option. Last year, he struggled a bit, posting a 4.64 ERA in 31 games, leading all of MLB with 15 losses.

But, his 3.80 career ERA is a good enough mark for a third starter, especially with the two dominant aces in front of him.

Mize is an interesting fit now, with the left-hander being the team's third-best lefty starter in the rotation. His All-Star and 3.87 ERA season in 2025 is more than good enough to be worthy of the team's fourth starter spot.

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Lastly, Olson is 26 years old and is the least experienced of all the Tigers' starters. But his 3.60 career ERA is not a bad mark whatsoever, and a 3.15 ERA across 13 starts in 2025 made for his best season yet.

Having Olson as a fifth starter is incredible, just as having Mize and Flaherty in their roles makes for a much better rotation. Valdez as a number 2 is also nice, as the Tigers now have a true World Series caliber top of the rotation.

Even after those five, the Tigers have Jackson Jobe, who is currently injured, but could factor into the rotation at some point.

Then, down in the minors, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, and Ty Madden are great depth pieces as well.

This new-look starting rotation, now that Valdez is coming to Detroit, is a very strong one. While there are still some questions about the offense, the Tigers' pitching staff looks to be World Series-ready.

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