# Detroit Tigers Predicted to Sign Veteran Starting Pitcher to $10 Million Deal
As Major League Baseball (MLB) enters the offseason, all eyes are on the Detroit Tigers and their pursuit of key acquisitions to bolster their roster for the 2024 season. One of the most pressing needs for the Tigers is to shore up their starting pitching, which has been inconsistent over the past few seasons. Rumors are swirling that the Tigers are predicted to sign a veteran starting pitcher to a one-year, $10 million deal in an attempt to stabilize their rotation and add depth for a competitive push. While the identity of the pitcher remains speculative, this move signals Detroit’s commitment to improving their pitching staff in a pivotal year for the franchise.
## The Detroit Tigers’ Pitching Struggles in Recent Seasons
Over the past several years, the Tigers have faced significant challenges on the mound. While their offense has shown flashes of potential, especially with young stars like Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene, the pitching staff has been a work in progress. Historically, Detroit has prided itself on having a strong rotation, dating back to the era of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Doug Fister. However, recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency and a lack of reliable starting pitching.
In 2023, the Tigers finished with a 73-89 record, far from playoff contention, and one of the key reasons for their struggles was a starting rotation that was often inconsistent and injury-prone. The team relied heavily on younger pitchers like Matt Manning, Tarik Skubal, and Eduardo Rodríguez, but the lack of stability in the rotation ultimately hurt their chances of winning games on a consistent basis.
The Tigers’ front office has been vocal about its desire to rebuild and develop young talent, but they also recognize that the team’s pitching staff needs more experienced arms to complement the emerging talent. This is where the rumored $10 million deal for a veteran starter comes into play.
## Why a Veteran Starting Pitcher?
Signing a veteran pitcher to a one-year deal offers the Tigers multiple advantages. First, a one-year contract provides flexibility. The Tigers would not be committing to a long-term deal, which means that the front office can adjust their strategy in the near future if things do not work out with the signing. Moreover, the one-year deal allows the team to potentially flip the pitcher at the trade deadline if they are not in playoff contention, much like they did with former ace Michael Fulmer in recent seasons.
Secondly, a veteran pitcher can bring a wealth of experience and leadership to a young and often volatile pitching staff. This would be particularly beneficial for the Tigers’ younger pitchers who are still developing. Having someone who has been through the highs and lows of a major league season can help mentor the team’s up-and-coming stars and instill a sense of consistency on the mound. A seasoned veteran knows how to handle the pressure of a long season and can teach the younger players how to stay mentally sharp during both good and bad stretches.
Finally, signing a veteran pitcher might allow the Tigers to improve their chances of competing in 2024. While Detroit is still in the early stages of a rebuild, the organization may believe that they are one or two key acquisitions away from making a legitimate push for a wild card spot in the American League. By adding a steady veteran to the rotation, the Tigers would have a better chance of competing with the more established teams in the AL Central and beyond.
## Who Could the Tigers Target?
As of the offseason, several veteran starting pitchers are set to become free agents, and each offers a different set of strengths and potential fit for the Tigers’ rotation. Some of the most intriguing options include pitchers who have experienced success in the majors but are currently in the latter stages of their careers, making them ideal candidates for a one-year deal. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty who the Tigers will target, there are a few names that stand out as realistic possibilities.
### 1. **Michael Wacha**
One of the more intriguing names on the free-agent market is Michael Wacha, a veteran right-hander who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. After a successful 2023 season with the San Diego Padres, where he posted a 3.42 ERA over 24 starts, Wacha is expected to attract interest from teams looking for a stable arm in the middle of the rotation. His ability to induce weak contact and maintain solid control over his pitches could be a valuable addition to Detroit’s rotation.
Wacha is coming off a solid contract with the Padres, and at 32 years old, he could be looking for one more significant payday, albeit on a short-term deal. For the Tigers, his experience and consistency would be a huge boost to a rotation that has often lacked stability. His familiarity with pitching in a competitive division like the NL West could also prove valuable in the AL Central.
### 2. **James Paxton**
James Paxton is another name that could draw interest from the Tigers. The 35-year-old left-hander has been a highly effective pitcher when healthy, but injuries have limited his availability in recent years. After spending most of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, Paxton returned to the Boston Red Sox and posted solid numbers, including a 4.00 ERA across 15 starts.
Paxton is certainly a high-risk, high-reward option. If he stays healthy, he has the potential to be a very solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Tigers. Paxton’s experience in both the American League and the postseason would bring valuable knowledge to a relatively inexperienced Tigers team. A one-year, $10 million deal could be a reasonable gamble for the Tigers if they believe Paxton’s injury woes are behind him.
### 3. **Corey Kluber**
Another veteran who could fit Detroit’s needs is Corey Kluber, a two-time Cy Young award winner who has seen his career take a downturn due to injuries. After struggling with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, Kluber bounced back to some degree in 2023 with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 4.45 ERA in 20 starts. While Kluber is no longer the dominant force he once was, he still brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for being a master at locating his pitches.
Kluber could serve as a stabilizing force in the Tigers’ rotation, especially if the team is looking for a pitcher who can eat innings and provide leadership. If Kluber is willing to accept a shorter contract, he could be a low-risk addition for the Tigers. However, the Tigers would have to assess whether his diminishing velocity and effectiveness are enough to warrant a significant investment.
### 4. **Charlie Morton**
Charlie Morton, another veteran who could be a fit for the Tigers, is coming off a solid 2023 season with the Atlanta Braves. The 40-year-old right-hander posted a 3.78 ERA across 30 starts and continues to be a reliable option in the Braves’ rotation. Morton’s ability to pitch deep into games and provide stability in the middle of a rotation would be incredibly valuable for the Tigers, particularly if they are in need of innings eaters.
Although Morton’s age and workload could present some concerns, his track record of postseason success and his reputation as a professional pitcher could make him an attractive target for a one-year deal. If the Tigers are looking for a dependable veteran who can contribute immediately and help the younger pitchers develop, Morton could be an excellent addition to the squad.
## The Tigers’ Offseason Strategy
The addition of a veteran pitcher would not be the only move the Tigers are likely to make during the offseason. With a young team in place, the Tigers will also likely focus on adding depth at other positions, whether through free agency or trades. While a starting pitcher is a priority, the team will also need to address the bullpen, which has been an area of concern in recent seasons.
Offensively, the Tigers are likely to continue developing their young talent. The emergence of players like Torkelson and Greene gives the team hope for the future, and additional investments in the farm system could yield further success in the coming years. However, with the division being relatively open, particularly in the AL Central, the Tigers may see 2024 as an opportunity to make a push for a playoff spot.
By signing a veteran starting pitcher to a one-year deal, the Tigers would add an important piece to their rotation while maintaining financial flexibility for the future. The goal would be to complement the young arms in their system while creating a competitive environment for 2024. This strategy is reflective of a team that is still in the midst of a rebuild but is willing to take calculated risks in an attempt to accelerate their timeline.
## Conclusion
The Detroit Tigers’ predicted move to sign a veteran starting pitcher to a $10 million deal represents a critical step in the team’s rebuilding process. With the need for stability in their pitching staff and a desire to be competitive in the near future, the Tigers are looking to add an experienced arm to complement their young core. Whether they target someone like Michael Wacha, James Paxton, or Charlie Morton, the addition of a veteran pitcher would provide leadership and consistency while the Tigers continue to develop their younger talent.
In a competitive American League Central division, every move counts, and a veteran starter could be the key to pushing the Tigers closer to postseason contention. The offseason will be full of decisions for Detroit’s front office, but the predicted $10 million deal for a veteran pitcher is a clear signal that the Tigers are serious about building a winning team for 2024 and beyond.
