Valdez’s departure came on the heels of a controversial on-field incident in 2025, when a frustrated pitch led to back-to-back actions that tarnished his reputation and cooled the Astros’ relationship with him. In Detroit, his first season has been rocky. Paired with Tarik Skubal, Valdez has struggled to meet expectations, posting a 4.40 ERA and a 1.339 WHIP across 14 starts, well above his career marks. A blowout loss to the Red Sox, in which he appeared to intentionally hit Trevor Story and was suspended for six games, further complicated his season. Despite the rough patch, there remains time for Valdez to regain form as he nears a potential return to Houston for a game against his former team.
Key Takeaways:
– Valdez signs a three-year, $115M deal with the Detroit Tigers after a reportedly larger free-agent market.
– A high-profile on-field incident with the Astros damaged his reputation and marked the end of his tenure in Houston.
– In Detroit, Valdez has struggled relative to his career norms, with a 4.40 ERA and 1.339 WHIP in 14 starts, plus a six-game suspension from an on-field altercation.
– There is still potential for a turnaround as he returns to action and, possibly, a return to Houston at a later date.
