Phillies' Jesus Luzardo extension shows Tigers got the price right with Framber Valdez

The Detroit Tigers made a big splash in the offseason by signing left-handed ace Framber Valdez. As the details of Jesús Luzardo's contract with the Philadelphia Phillies have come out, it seems like the Tigers got it just right with Valdez.

According to New York Post reporter Jon Heyman on social media, Valdez has the highest AAV of any left-handed pitcher in MLB at $38.33 million per year with Luzardo not far behind him at $27 million. That feels about right considering Valdez has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league since 2022 while Luzardo has been a bit more up and down in his career.

Detroit knew it was taking a calculated risk when it came to Valdez. There are the character issues surrounding him and giving a big contract to a pitcher who is 32 years old has a way of coming back to bite a team in the keister.

The Tigers did it the smart way, though. The deal is only for three years and Valdez can opt out after year two of the deal. It's a ton of money, but they are betting that he can at least be effective for the next two seasons which is a pretty reasonable bet to make based on his history.

Tigers got the price of Framber Valdez's contract just right

Thus far, Valdez has looked like his usual self in spring training. He's made two outings down in Florida and has only allowed one run in seven innings of work while striking out nine batters and walking none. The Tigers are not paying him to pitch well in the Grapefruit League, though.

Detroit is counting on Valdez to be a co-ace with Tarik Skubal atop the rotation. If he can be that, then it would not be a shock if Detroit has a lot of success this season. The addition of Justin Verlander gives the team a really strong rotation on paper, so expectations are growing among the fanbase.

What is especially convenient about the Valdez signing is that the Tigers will at least have an ace next season, even if Tarik Skubal departs in free agency — which seems like a given at this point. Valdez will have to earn every cent of that $38 million AAV when he is probably going to have to anchor a rotation that could look very different with so many pending free agents.

Valdez's contract may look pretty pricey at first glance, but comparing it to what Luzardo and the other left-handed aces of the game make reveals that the Tigers got the price right.