The Detroit Tigers are in an interesting spot. On paper, their starting rotation looks like it has enough arms to get through a season.
But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear: this isn’t a team that can afford to stand pat. Adding another starting pitcher isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.
Right now, the projected rotation includes Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Drew Anderson. That’s a group with potential, no doubt.
Skubal is the clear ace-at least for now-and Mize is back in the mix. Flaherty brings name recognition, Olson has flashed promise, and Anderson is... well, a bit of a wild card.
Behind them, there’s some depth in the form of Troy Melton, Keider Montero, Sawyer Gipson-Long, and Ty Madden. Jackson Jobe is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and could return later in the summer.
So, what’s the issue?
It comes down to reliability. Flaherty has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
Mize has just one strong season under his belt. Olson hasn’t been able to stay on the mound long enough to prove he can handle a full workload.
And Anderson is an unknown. That’s not the kind of foundation you want to build a season on-especially in a division that’s more open than it might seem.
That’s why the Tigers have been linked to veteran arms like Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito. Both bring experience, innings, and a track record of competing at a high level.
But so far, there’s been no sense of urgency from Detroit’s front office. Scott Harris appears to be playing the long game-waiting to see how the market shakes out before making a move.
It’s a strategy that feels familiar. Last year, the Tigers waited until late in the offseason to sign Alex Cobb-a move that ended up costing them $15 million for a pitcher who never threw a single inning in a Detroit uniform.
Cobb was nearing retirement, battling injuries, and ultimately never made it out of the training room. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off.
Now, it looks like the Tigers might be headed down a similar path. According to recent reports, the front office is “casting a wide net” in its search for pitching. But instead of zeroing in on a difference-maker, the approach feels more like window shopping-waiting to see who’s still available when spring training is just around the corner.
That’s a risky game. By the time the Tigers are ready to strike, the remaining options might be arms with serious red flags-whether it’s age, injury history, or declining performance. And that’s not the kind of addition that stabilizes a rotation or signals to your clubhouse that you're serious about winning.
If Detroit wants to make a real statement-not just for 2026, but for the future-it needs to aim higher. A legitimate No. 2 starter behind Skubal would do more than just eat innings. It would provide a bridge to a future that includes the potential departures of Skubal, Mize, and Flaherty, all of whom are set to hit the market after this season.
There are still options out there that fit that mold. Framber Valdez remains unsigned.
Trade targets like Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, and Sandy Alcantara could be in play, depending on how aggressive Harris is willing to be. Sure, some of those names come with their own uncertainties-Peralta, for example, is a free agent after 2026-but they bring a level of upside and stability the Tigers sorely need.
So far, though, the front office seems more reactive than proactive. And that’s a tough position to be in when the goal is to build a sustainable winner. If Detroit waits too long, they may end up settling for another short-term patch job-hoping whoever they sign can simply stay healthy and give them five decent innings every fifth day.
That’s a low bar. But after the Cobb situation, it might be the only one they’re trying to clear.