The Tigers are looking to shore up their rotation this winter, and they’ve got plenty of options on a free agent market loaded with starting pitching.
Detroit needs another frontline starter to pair with Tarik Skubal. While trade rumors continue swirling around their ace, the expectation is he’s staying put.
That leaves the Tigers hunting for their second starter. They could chase the headliners like Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez, or look at more affordable options like Lucas Giolito or Griffin Canning.
But there’s another name worth watching: Zac Gallen.
The former Arizona ace is coming off a rough 2024 season that saw him post a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA across 192 innings. His fastball command wasn’t sharp, and that curveball that made him so effective just didn’t have the same bite.
Here’s the thing though – Gallen finished strong. That’s usually a good sign for a pitcher looking to bounce back.
Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes, and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden thinks Gallen could be exactly what Detroit needs.
“A change in scenery probably makes sense for him at this point, with the Astros, Tigers, Orioles, Braves, Mets, and Cubs all possibilities if he doesn’t return to Arizona.”
The Tigers aren’t the only team interested. Bowden also mentioned the Astros, Orioles, Braves, Mets, and Cubs as potential landing spots.
What makes Gallen appealing is that rough season might’ve hurt his market value. For a team like Detroit that’s trying to build on last year’s playoff run without breaking the bank, that could create an opportunity.
The Tigers have other needs too – they could use upgrades at third base and catcher – but adding rotation depth behind Skubal feels like the priority. Gallen’s track record suggests he’s got more left in the tank than one down year would indicate.
