Producer's note: This podcast was recorded before Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract and Reese Olson was ruled out for the 2026 season after shoulder surgery. Check freep.com/sports for the latest Tigers coverage — and this podcast feed for additional updates.

As Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Lance Brozdowski — the player development analyst for the Marquee Sports Network — joins "Days of Roar" to evaluate the starting rotation and the bullpen ahead of the 2026 season, including the one-two punch atop the rotation with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the biggest storylines to watch in camp, including if Colt Keith can lock down third base. They also build their projected 26-man roster for Opening Day, featuring a debate about Javier Báez and Zach McKinstry at shortstop until Kevin McGonigle arrives. To end the show, Chandler Rome — the Houston Astros beat writer for The Athletic — joins to discuss the Tigers signing Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, explaining everything to know about the newcomer nicknamed "La Grasa," from his elite durability to his mental meltdowns.

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Left-hander Tarik Skubal took down the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season rather than the $19 million proposed by the Tigers. To break down the case, former Tigers executive Mike Smith joins Evan Petzold for a special "Days of Roar" bonus episode. Smith, an expert in salary arbitration, takes a detailed look at the historic showdown between the Tigers and Skubal, including how the process works — and what ultimately decided the case for the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner.

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The Detroit Tigers signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract with an opt-out clause after the second season — a move that shocked the baseball industry and created one of the best one-two punches atop a starting rotation in the game. In this special "Days of Roar" breaking news episode, Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down all angles of the Valdez signing, including what it means for 2026 and beyond. (Stay tuned every Monday for regularly scheduled episodes.)

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