The Detroit Tigers are actively seeking to bolster their starting rotation this offseason, and it looks like they have their sights set on a few intriguing options! According to Jon Heyman from The New York Post, the Tigers are exploring various avenues to enhance their pitching staff. Recently, they were linked to pitchers Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito, two names that could potentially make a significant impact. But here’s where it gets particularly interesting: they have also shown interest in Nick Martinez and Jose Quintana, as reported by Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press.
The Tigers appear to be casting a wide net in their search, aiming for a mid-tier starter to solidify their rotation. So far this offseason, they’ve made one notable addition by signing Drew Anderson, who is returning from the KBO, to a contract worth $7 million. Additionally, they managed to retain Jack Flaherty through a player option valued at $20 million. These two players are expected to join Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, and Casey Mize in the rotation, although Anderson's position may not be entirely secure; young pitchers Troy Melton or Keider Montero might challenge him for a spot during spring training. Moreover, there’s some optimism surrounding Jackson Jobe, who could make his return from Tommy John surgery later in the season.
Despite these moves, the Tigers’ rotation appears somewhat thin, especially after their ace, Skubal. Olson had a rough second half due to shoulder issues, while Mize, despite having an All-Star caliber first half, experienced inconsistency later in the season. Flaherty has maintained a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, yet he’s coming off two seasons with an ERA hovering around the upper 4.00s. Meanwhile, Anderson has limited MLB experience, having started just two games and not having pitched in the majors for five years. Melton, on the other hand, shows promise but spent most of his rookie season in the bullpen.
To strengthen their position, adding a reliable veteran pitcher who can consistently deliver average innings would be beneficial. Bassitt and Giolito represent the higher end of this tier, likely to secure rotation spots immediately. In contrast, Martinez and Quintana could either fill out the back of the rotation or serve effectively in a multi-inning relief capacity.
Nick Martinez, in particular, is well-versed in versatile roles, making him an appealing option for a Tigers team that values flexibility in its pitching lineup. At 35 years old, he has built a career around transitioning between starting and relieving duties throughout the season. He predominantly pitched in relief for the Padres from 2022 to 2023, yet he was often a member of the Cincinnati rotation in the prior two years. Martinez has achieved a sub-4.00 ERA in each season from 2022 to 2024, although his numbers dipped slightly last season to a more average 4.45 across a career-high 165.2 innings.
Although Martinez may not possess overwhelming stuff, his game relies heavily on exceptional control and a solid track record of limiting hard contact. Last season, he earned $21.05 million after accepting a qualifying offer from the Reds, but he is unlikely to reach that salary this year, although an eight-figure contract is still within reach.
On the other hand, Jose Quintana, who played for Milwaukee last season on a $4.25 million deal, may prove to be a more budget-friendly option for the Tigers. Now 36 years old (soon to turn 37), Quintana took the mound 24 times and logged 131.2 innings. Despite striking out only 16% of batters faced—an underwhelming figure—he still managed to maintain a respectable 3.96 ERA, marking his third consecutive season with an ERA below 4.00. His velocity hovers around 90 MPH, but he recorded a career-low 6.9% strikeout rate last year.
What do you think about the Tigers' approach to building their pitching staff? Are they making the right moves, or should they take a different route? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
