The Detroit Tigers faced a potential shake-up this offseason, with whispers of a rebuild looming if they decided to trade away Tarik Skubal. However, instead of parting with their young talent, the Tigers made some significant moves to bolster their rotation.
In a bold offseason strategy, the Tigers acquired Framber Valdez and brought back veteran Justin Verlander. These additions, alongside Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize, have transformed Detroit's starting rotation into one of the most formidable in Major League Baseball.
And the buzz doesn't stop there. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report speculates that the Tigers might not be done yet, predicting a blockbuster trade for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. If this move materializes, it could elevate the Tigers' rotation to an unparalleled level.
Imagine a rotation featuring Skubal, Alcantara, Verlander, Valdez, Flaherty, and Mize. That lineup would be a dream come true for Tigers fans and a nightmare for opposing hitters. Adding Alcantara would cement Detroit's status as having the premier rotation in the league.
Alcantara, at 30, has had his ups and downs. After missing the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, he struggled initially in 2025 with a 7.22 ERA over 18 games.
However, he bounced back impressively in the latter part of the season, posting a 3.33 ERA with 71 strikeouts in his final 13 games. His past performance, including a stellar 2022 Cy Young season with a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts, keeps him a hot commodity in trade discussions.
While Alcantara wasn't moved at the trade deadline or this offseason, the Marlins are reportedly still open to trading him as part of their payroll management and rebuilding efforts. For the Tigers, acquiring Alcantara could be the final piece in their quest to dominate the 2026 season and make a deep postseason run.
The Dodgers showed in 2025 that a strong rotation could offset bullpen weaknesses, leading them to a World Series victory. The Tigers could replicate this strategy by bringing in Alcantara, adding another Cy Young talent to their already impressive roster, and potentially positioning themselves as the team to beat.