The Framber Valdez conversation is just getting worse and worse for Tigers

Framber Valdez hasn't been the Tigers' biggest problem this season, but he also isn't part of the solution. Through 14 starts, Valdez has a 3-5 record and a 4.40 ERA. That's relatively stable, but certainly doesn't live up to the three-year, $115 million contract he signed this winter.

Valdez's shortcomings have been highlighted with Tarik Skubal on the mend. Thankfully, Skubal is set to return from elbow surgery on Saturday. Much of the reason the Tigers signed Valdez in the first place was not just to go all-in on what could be Skubal's last season in Motown, but also prepare for the future without him. Now, few Tigers fans would feel comfortable with Valdez as their ace heading into the 2027 season barring some major shifts in his performance the rest of the way.

Framber Valdez era in Detroit is defined by Tigers chaos

Valdez has done more harm than good in Detroit. His first offense came against the Boston Red Sox, when hit intentionally hit Trevor Story with a pitch. This caused a benches-clearing incident, and ended with Valdez getting ejected and a subsequent six-game suspension.

To their credit, Valdez's teammates came to his defense, claiming the left-hander didn't hit Story on purpose. At the same time, what else are they supposed to say? Yes, my teammate is historically a bad guy and teammate?

Just last weekend in a series win over the Seattle Mariners, Josh Naylor took a fastball to the shoulder from Keider Montero. This came after Naylor trucked Kevin McGonigle at first base, slid well out of the base paths to try and break up a double play and threw his sliding mitt at catcher Dillon Dingler on a scoring play. Naylor is a thorn in the Tigers' paw, but the only reason he knew for certain Montero plunked him on purpose was because of Valdez.

Even when he's not putting his teammates in impossible situations, Valdez is failing in the biggest moments. Just as the Tigers were starting to gather momentum at the beginning of June — winning six of their first seven games to start the month — Valdez blew it all up as only he could.

In a start against the last place Twins, Valdez hit two straight Minnesota hitters in the fourth inning of a time game. He then gave up a three-run homer to Byron Buxton, breaking the game open.

The Tigers would go on to lose 6-4.

There are more examples than I can count, and Valdez is living up to the reputation he gained in Houston. Heck, Valdez reportedly had to convince interested suitors of his good intentions during free agency, which may have cost him millions. Valdez is the same as he ever was. He just hasn't crossed up his own catcher yet (watch out, Dingler!).

What the Tigers need of Framber Valdez moving forward

Less drama would be a good start. More stability is what the Tigers signed Valdez for. Say what you will about the lefty, but prior to 2026, he had six straight seasons with an ERA well under 4.00. Since he was called up in 2018, he's had just one really bad year in 2019, which was his first full season in the big leagues.

The Tigers need that guy. Skubal is a sure thing, assuming he's healthy. Casey Mize is set to return to the Tigers rotation as well. If Valdez can be the true No. 2 in Detroit's rotation in between Skubal and Mize, then perhaps the Tigers red-hot lineup can afford a down day or two.

Right now, the Tigers are playing with fire.

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