The Detroit Tigers came into this offseason with two clear needs: shore up the starting rotation and find more offensive production at third base. But instead of making splashy moves or chasing big-name upgrades, the front office-led by Scott Harris-has opted to stay the course.
That decision speaks volumes. It suggests the organization believes the core it assembled last season still has more to give, and perhaps even more wins to produce.
So far, there’s been little noise from Detroit in free agency or the trade market. And unless something surprising happens, the Tigers are likely to roll into Opening Day with a roster that looks a lot like the one that made a playoff push last October.
The lineup? Mostly unchanged.
The rotation? Familiar faces, with the possibility that Drew Anderson could force his way into the mix if he impresses this spring.
In many ways, the Tigers’ offseason feels like it’s in a holding pattern. All eyes are on Tarik Skubal’s arbitration hearing.
If Skubal wins, that could be the final move of any significance before the season begins. But if the team wins the case, it could free up enough payroll flexibility to make one more addition-perhaps even the kind that moves the needle.
So where does that leave the Tigers in terms of solving their biggest question mark? The rotation behind Skubal is still unsettled. And while the team didn’t lose Charlie Morton or Chris Paddack-despite what some national coverage may suggest-they do need more stability behind their ace.
One name floated as a potential fit? Framber Valdez.
On paper, he checks a lot of boxes: postseason experience, innings eater, left-handed complement to Skubal. But there’s a catch-he won’t come cheap.
And given Detroit’s recent approach, it’s hard to see them diving into the deep end of the financial pool for a pitcher like Valdez.
That brings us to the more eyebrow-raising suggestion: Max Scherzer. Yes, that Max Scherzer.
The future Hall of Famer. The guy who once headlined this rotation more than a decade ago.
The idea, pitched as a sort of feel-good “farewell tour,” is certainly intriguing from a nostalgia standpoint. But from a baseball perspective?
It’s a tough sell.
Scherzer, now 41, is no longer the dominant force he once was. Last season, he posted a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts-numbers that reflect a pitcher clearly in decline. Unless he’s willing to take a steep discount and accept a more limited role, this probably isn’t the kind of reunion that helps the Tigers compete in 2026.
Detroit already tried the retirement tour route last year, and it didn’t exactly light a fire under the team. This year, they need more than feel-good stories-they need arms that can eat innings, keep games close, and give their offense a chance to win. If they do make a move, it has to be about performance, not sentiment.
For now, the Tigers are betting on internal growth, improved health, and the idea that continuity can be a strength. It’s a gamble, but one they seem comfortable taking. Whether it pays off will depend on how the pieces behind Skubal perform-and whether anyone else steps up to stabilize a rotation still searching for answers.