As the Tigers gear up for another challenging offseason, Detroit Sports Addiction has put together a crucial “Offseason Wish List” to guide the team towards a successful upcoming season. There are five key areas that we feel the Tigers need to address to strengthen their roster and make another playoff push in 2025.
Add 2 Starting Pitchers
Stay tuned over the next five weeks, heading into the Winter Meetings, as we dive into each of these priorities and explore potential free agent solutions that could help propel the Detroit Tigers to a deep playoff run.
Add Two Starting Pitchers
Solidifying the pitching rotation is critical for the Detroit Tigers this offseason. Below are some of the top candidates Detroit Sports Addiction would like to see the Tigers pursue:
Max Fried
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 6years/ $180m ($30m/yr)
2024 Stats: 3.5 WAR, 11-10 Record, 29 Starts, 174.1 IP, 3.25 ERA, 3.33 FIP, 128 ERA+ 166 SO, 57 BB
Potential Fit: No. 2 Starter
Signing Likelihood: Low
At 31 years old, a 6-year contract seems outside the realm of what POBO Scott Harris would prefer. An AAV of $30m also seems higher than what ownership is willing to spend.
Walker Buehler
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 1 year/$20m
2024 Stats: -1.3 WAR, 1-6 Record, 16 Starts, 75.1 IP, 5.38 ERA, 5.54 FIP, 72 ERA+, 64 SO, 17 BB
Potential Fit: No. 2 or No. 3 Starter
Signing Likelihood: Moderate-High
Coming off a rough year in 2024 and missing the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, he could be a possible reclamation project for the Tigers and Chris Fetter. A solid 2024 postseason performance might increase his market value, potentially requiring a multi-year deal with opt-outs.
Jack Flaherty
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 5 years/$115m ($23m/yr)
2024 Stats: 3.1 WAR, 13-7 Record, 28 Starts, 162 IP, 3.17 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 127 ERA+, 194 SO, 38 BB
Potential Fit: No. 2 Starter
Signing Likelihood: Moderate
POBO Harris doesn’t shy away from brining players back to the organization. Flaherty worked well with Chris Fetter during the first half of 2024. Competing with the LA Dodgers, where he has expressed a desire to stay, will be challenging.
Sean manaea
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 4 years/$64-$72m ($16-$18m/yr)
2024 Stats: 3.0 WAR, 12-6 Record, 32 Starts, 181.2 IP, 3.47 ERA< 3.83 FIP, 144 ERA+, 18 SO, 63 BB
Potential Fit: No. 3 Starter (as a lefty, not to have back-to-back lefties in the rotation)
Signing Likelihood: Low
Manaea reportedly loves New York and the Mets. Competing with their ownership, who are willing to outbid for players they want, will be difficult.
Shane Bieber
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 2 years/$17.5m ($8.75m/yr)
2024 Stats: 0.7 WAR, 2-0 Record, 2 Starts, 12 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.08 FIP, 20 SO, 1 BB
Potential Fit: No. 4 or No. 5 Starter (coming off Tommy John)
Signing Likelihood: Low
While a great fit for Harris’s strategy, Bieber has spent his entire career with Cleveland, and their budget can likely accommodate the contract estimate.
Corbin Burnes
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 7 years/$215m ($30.7/yr)
2024 Stats: 3.4 WAR, 15-9 Record, 32 Starts, 194.1 IP, 2.92 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 128 ERA+, 181 SO, 48 BB
Potential Fit: No. 2 Starter, creating the Top 1-2 Punch in the MLB with Tarik Skual
Signing Likelihood: Low
The length and AAV of this contract estimate are higher than what Harris has previously signed in Detroit. Current ownership remains hesitant about long-term, high-dollar contracts.
Strengthening the pitching rotation is essential for the Detroit Tigers. Keep an eye on these potential signings to see how the roster shapes of for the 2025 season. Watch our for the next item on our Wish List next week!