The Detroit Tigers have been urged to consider adding another major piece to their pitching staff as they gear up for the upcoming season. The team’s journey in the previous season was nothing short of remarkable, staging a remarkable comeback to clinch the second wild card spot in the American League, akin to a storyline straight out of a feel-good movie.
A Promising Start to the Offseason
Entering the MLB offseason with a wave of optimism, the Tigers were poised to build upon their newfound success. With a solid core team in place, fans and analysts alike anticipated the front office to bolster the roster further by bringing in seasoned players to elevate their performance.
However, the offseason so far has seen the Tigers making only modest moves, signing two players to one-year, $15 million deals each. The acquisitions of second baseman Gleyber Torres and starting pitcher Alex Cobb have raised questions about whether these additions are sufficient to propel the team to greater heights.
While Torres could inject power into the lineup, doubts linger over Cobb’s ability to deliver consistently, given his injury-laden past season. The pitching rotation, plagued by injuries in the previous year, may not be significantly bolstered by Cobb’s signing.
The Quest for Further Enhancements
Amid ongoing speculations and negotiations, the Tigers remain in contention for a potential trade for Alex Bregman from the Houston Astros. Bregman’s prowess as a right-handed hitter with power could offer a substantial boost to the team’s offensive lineup, particularly at the hot corner where the Tigers lack a dependable everyday option.
However, one proposed move that has garnered significant attention is the potential reunion with starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. Jim Bowden of The Athletic advocates for Flaherty’s return, emphasizing the considerable upgrade he could bring to the Tigers’ pitching staff and their postseason prospects.
The Case for Jack Flaherty
Flaherty’s performance in the previous season, following a lackluster spell with the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles, saw a remarkable resurgence during his tenure with the Tigers. His stellar display across 18 starts, boasting a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts over 106.2 innings, underscored his value as a top-tier pitcher.
Despite an unexpected one-year deal with the Tigers in 2024, Flaherty’s impactful contribution to the team’s success and subsequent trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers highlighted his prowess on the mound. His potential return to Detroit could not only solidify the pitching rotation but also serve as a stepping stone towards securing a multi-year contract in the future, pending a consistent display of form and health.
As the Tigers navigate the complexities of the offseason, the prospect of reuniting with Flaherty stands as a beacon of hope for a team eager to reignite their postseason aspirations and fortify their position as a formidable contender in the league.