Twins Showed Real Interest in Framber Valdez Before Detroit Closed the Deal
According to a report from Yahoo Sports, citing ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Twins were among the clubs that expressed interest in the left‑hander before he agreed to a three‑year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit’s move instantly reshaped the balance of power in the AL Central, but it also revealed something important about Minnesota’s approach: even in a winter defined by payroll questions and roster uncertainty, the Twins were willing to explore a major addition if the right arm became available.
Why the Twins Viewed Valdez as a Fit
Valdez was the last true frontline pitcher on the board. He’s a durable, playoff‑tested lefty who logged a 3.66 ERA across 31 starts for Houston in 2025, striking out 187 hitters in 192 innings. Since debuting in 2018, he’s posted only one season with an ERA above 4.00, making him one of the most consistent arms in the sport.
That profile explains why the Twins kicked the tires. Minnesota’s rotation has upside, but it lacks a proven No. 1 who can stabilize a season and anchor a postseason series. Even after a difficult 2025 campaign, the front office didn’t rule out adding impact pitching. Their interest in Valdez showed they were at least willing to explore a bold move.
The Twins weren’t alone. Baltimore and Toronto also checked in, but Minnesota’s involvement stood out because the club wasn’t expected to be aggressive in the upper tier of free agency. They had already made modest additions Josh Bell and Victor Caratini, but nothing that signaled a push for a top‑of‑market starter.
Detroit’s Offer Outpaced What the Twins Could Justify
Once the Tigers stepped in with a three‑year, $115 million deal, the conversation changed. Detroit, already armed with Tarik Skubal, doubled down on elite pitching and made a statement that reverberated across the division. For the Twins, matching that level of spending would have required a dramatic shift from their offseason posture.
Minnesota’s payroll constraints have been well‑documented, and the club has been operating with an eye toward long‑term flexibility. That doesn’t mean they weren’t serious about Valdez it simply means Detroit’s offer reached a level Minnesota wasn’t positioned to match.
What Missing Out Means for the Twins
The Twins enter 2026 in a complicated spot. They avoided a full teardown this offseason, but they also didn’t overhaul the roster. A slow start could push them toward a midseason reset, while a strong opening month could keep them in the race.
Minnesota has focused more on depth than star power, adding bullpen pieces and complementary bats. That approach can work, but it lacks the jolt a frontline starter provides. Valdez would have been that jolt.
What the Twins’ Missing Out on Valdez Means for the AL Central
For the AL Central, Valdez’s choosing Detroit over the Twins shifts the division’s balance in a meaningful way. The Tigers already had the best pitcher in the division in Tarik Skubal, and pairing him with Valdez gives Detroit a rotation that can control series and shorten games.
For the Twins, the miss reinforces the urgency to find another path to keep pace. Minnesota still has enough talent to compete, but the margin for error shrinks when a division opponent makes a move this significant.
