When it comes to the Detroit Tigers’ starting rotation in 2026, there’s no debate about who leads the pack. Tarik Skubal is the unquestioned ace - a lefty with elite stuff, poise on the mound, and the kind of presence that sets the tone for an entire pitching staff. But with Skubal likely heading into his final season in Detroit, the real intrigue lies just behind him: Who’s next in line?
Let’s dig into the contenders for that No. 2 spot - not just in the rotation, but in terms of overall value.
Reese Olson: High Ceiling, High Risk
By most statistical measures, Reese Olson has been the Tigers’ second-best starter. He’s got the ability to miss bats, limit hard contact, and when he’s right, he looks like a legitimate mid-rotation arm - maybe more.
But the shoulder issues he’s dealt with in back-to-back seasons are hard to ignore. For a pitcher who hasn’t yet proven he can handle a full 140-150 inning workload, durability becomes the central question.
On the mound, Olson shows a knack for sequencing and keeping hitters off balance. His strikeout numbers are solid, and he generally does a good job of managing contact.
But the walk rate can creep up, and when you combine that with the injury history, it’s tough to project him as a sure thing. If he stays healthy, he could absolutely be the Tigers’ second-most valuable starter.
But that’s a big “if.”
Jack Flaherty: Still Flashing the Strikeout Stuff
Jack Flaherty may not be the pitcher he was during his 2024 resurgence, but he’s still bringing something to the table - especially when it comes to missing bats. Flaherty continues to rack up strikeouts at the highest rate on the staff, which always gives him a chance to dominate on any given night.
The flip side? The walks.
And the home runs. Flaherty’s outings can swing wildly from sharp and efficient to short and shaky.
There are flashes of the frontline guy he once was, but inconsistency has been the theme. Still, in terms of pure stuff and experience, he’s a valuable piece - and if he can tighten up the command, he could be more than just a veteran innings-eater.
Casey Mize: Control Over Power
Casey Mize is a different kind of pitcher than Olson or Flaherty. He doesn’t light up the radar gun or pile up strikeouts, but he knows how to pitch.
Mize limits walks and generally keeps the ball in play - a skill that’s increasingly rare in today’s game. Since returning from Tommy John surgery, he’s shown improved velocity and made strides with his splitter, which has long been a key to unlocking his upside.
In 2025, Mize posted a 22.2% strikeout rate - the first time he’s cracked the 20% mark in a full season. That’s a promising sign, but home runs were still a problem at times.
He’s not overpowering, but he’s efficient, and that makes him a stabilizing presence in the middle of the rotation. If the splitter continues to evolve, he could take another step forward.
The Rest: Melton, Anderson, and Depth Arms
Troy Melton and Drew Anderson are in the mix for the final rotation spot, and both bring something to the table. Melton has shown flashes of being a solid backend starter, while Anderson offers a bit more experience. Behind them, there’s a group of depth arms - including Keider Montero - who could step in as needed over the course of a long season.
This isn’t a rotation loaded with star power beyond Skubal, but it does have options. And depending on how the arbitration case with Skubal plays out, there’s still a chance the Tigers could make another move to bolster this group before Opening Day.
So, Who’s No. 2?
If we’re talking pure upside, Reese Olson might be the guy. But if you’re looking for stability and innings, Casey Mize could be the safer bet. And if Flaherty finds a groove, he’s got the strikeout stuff to carry a team through a few big stretches.
Right now, there’s no clear-cut answer - and that’s part of the story for the 2026 Tigers. Skubal is the anchor, but the rotation behind him is still sorting itself out. Whoever steps up as that second dependable arm could play a huge role in determining just how competitive this team can be.