Overview
- The pact carries a reported $38.3 million average annual value, the highest ever for a left-handed and Latin American pitcher.
- It includes a player opt-out after the second season and salary deferrals and is pending a physical, according to multiple reports.
- Because Valdez declined Houston’s qualifying offer, Detroit will forfeit its No. 69 pick in the 2026 draft while the Astros gain a compensatory selection after the fourth round, with some reports specifying No. 137.
- The 32-year-old left-hander reunites with manager A.J. Hinch and projects to pair atop the rotation with two-time defending AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, whose arbitration result has not yet been announced.
- Valdez leaves the Astros after eight seasons with an 81-52 record and a 3.36 ERA, earning a reputation for durability, innings volume and elite ground-ball rates; one outlet also reports a $20 million signing bonus.