Tigers Structure Verlander, Valdez Deals With Deferred Payments Through 2039

Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez will receive the final portions of their new contracts with the Detroit Tigers in 2039, as part of a long-term deferred payment structure built into their deals. According to the terms disclosed, the Tigers have committed a combined $128 million to the two pitchers, with $31 million of that total scheduled to be paid out on a deferred basis over time, ending in 2039. The arrangement reflects a growing trend in Major League Baseball in which teams spread out compensation over many years to manage payroll obligations and luxury tax considerations while still committing substantial guarantees to accomplished players. Verlander, one of the most decorated pitchers of his generation, returns to Detroit on a contract that extends his financial relationship with the organization well into the next decade. While the precise season-by-season breakdown of his deal has not been made public, the inclusion of deferred money helps the Tigers create more immediate roster flexibility, potentially allowing the club to address additional needs while still honoring a significant overall commitment to the veteran right-hander. Valdez, a left-handed starter, is also included in the long-range financial planning. Like Verlander, he will receive part of his guaranteed money in later years, culminating in 2039. This design mirrors other modern MLB contracts that push payments beyond the active playing years of a deal, creating smoother annual obligations for teams while giving players long-term financial security. The total of $31 million in deferred compensation is part of the combined $128 million pledged to the two pitchers, but how that deferred figure is divided between Verlander and Valdez has not been publicly specified. Similarly, the exact annual salaries, incentive structures, or any option years tied to their contracts have not been detailed in the information currently available. By committing significant guaranteed money while deferring a portion into the future, Detroit signals both a willingness to invest in frontline pitching and a desire to manage its payroll across multiple competitive windows. The 2039 endpoint for the deferred payments underscores how far into the future clubs now plan when negotiating major contracts with top-tier players.