Tigers Eye Starting Pitchers to Build on Successful Season

As the Detroit Tigers look to capitalize on their strong finish to the 2024 season, which saw them reach the ALDS, the team is gearing up for a busy offseason. According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Tigers are expected to target at least one starting pitcher this winter. However, the team aims to focus on short-term additions, preferring pitchers who can be secured on one- or two-year contracts.


Stavenhagen also notes that the Tigers might be hesitant to sign pitchers who received a Qualifying Offer, due to the associated loss of draft capital. This cautious approach doesn't completely rule out higher-tier options, though. In fact, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon report that the Tigers have shown some interest in a reunion with right-hander Jack Flaherty.


The early free agent market has seen significant movement, especially with pitchers who aren't tied to draft pick compensation. Notable deals include Blake Snell's substantial five-year contract with the Dodgers and the Angels' one-year signing of Kyle Hendricks. Flaherty, who joined the Tigers last winter and had a strong half-season with Detroit before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains one of the top pitchers available who isn't attached to draft pick compensation.


Flaherty's performance with the Tigers was noteworthy, and his potential return could provide much-needed depth and stability to Detroit's rotation. As the Tigers navigate the free agent market, their strategy of seeking impactful yet short-term additions reflects their desire to build on their recent success without compromising future flexibility.


With these moves, the Tigers are positioning themselves for another competitive season, and fans can look forward to seeing how the team's roster shapes up in the coming months.