The Detroit Tigers are reportedly eyeing experienced free-agent pitchers as possible additions for the upcoming season. Last December, their unexpected signing of Jack Flaherty raised eyebrows, as the team had previously shown significant interest in Kenta Maeda. Flaherty’s arrival was met with skepticism due to his struggles following a near Cy Young season with the Cardinals in 2019. However, he ultimately became a valuable asset, posting a sub-3.00 ERA over 106 2/3 innings before being traded at the deadline. The Tigers appeared to have revitalized his form, and he’s now a key starter for the Dodgers in their World Series run.
The Tigers may consider a similar under-the-radar acquisition this offseason, targeting a “fixer-upper” starter as they aim to build a strong rotation around Tarik Skubal. With more financial flexibility, the focus is firmly on pitching. Cody Stavenhagen from The Athletic suggests three potential targets for Detroit: Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney, and Luis Severino (subscription required).
Buehler’s future with the Dodgers hinges on his World Series performance, which could impact his market value and contract options if Los Angeles decides to let him go. Heaney, who helped the Rangers secure a World Series title last year, had a solid 2024 season with a 4.28 ERA over 160 innings without injury setbacks. Severino, leaving the Mets, also had a strong 2024 season, including a complete-game shutout, after several injury-plagued years.
While these pitchers aren’t long-term solutions, they are more realistic targets for the Tigers compared to top-tier free agents like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Blake Snell. A strategic signing, similar to Flaherty’s last year, could yield substantial benefits if the Tigers’ coaching staff can optimize performance as they did with him.
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