The Detroit Tigers are coming off an ALDS appearance, and while they came up short tot the Seattle Mariners, the Tigers saw some progress made to be encouraged going forward.
But, with Tarik Skubal heading into the final year of club control, the 2026 season is a big one for Detroit. Adding talent this offseason is a must to contend, and Detroit has to make some moves this winter.
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the plan for the Tigers this winter is a clear one. While Alex Bregman and other position players are options, the Tigers will be prioritizing pitching this offseason.
Tigers' priority in free agency revealed by MLB insider
"Detroit continues to be connected to Alex Bregman," Feinsand writes, "though pitching - both rotation and bullpen - appears to be a bigger priority for the Tigers."
Adding another starter to pair with Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize is the Tigers' priority this winter. Bullpen is also a big need, and while Kyle Finnegan could wind up coming back, more arms need to be added.
Feinsand listed three names to keep an eye on this offseason, as the winter meetings approach. Starting pitchers Michael King and Ranger Suarez, and closer Pete Fairbanks, are three names that the Tigers are linked to.
More: Tigers trade plans for Tarik Skubal revealed by ESPN insiders
While Suarez and King are noteworthy names to keep in mind as the offseason progresses, the bullpen additions could be Fairbanks, Finnegan, or any of the relievers available on the market this offseason.
Detroit isn't going to spend big like some of the other teams around baseball, but its interest in Suarez is worth paying extra close attention to.
He's going to receive a strong deal this offseason, and despite the Tigers not planning to spend big, Suarez would be one of the top free-agent arms to add this offseason.
Suarez might not be Tatsuya Imai or Framber Valdez, but he's bound to receive plenty of interest and should land a three-digit free agent deal. He's a left-hander, and in the worst-case scenario, he could replace Tarik Skubal in free agency.
The Tigers have a clear plan this winter to address the bullpen and the starting rotation. Whether it's one of Fairbanks, Suarez, or King in free agency, multiple free agent pitchers are likely to come to Detroit. The only question left is who those pitchers will be.
More Tigers News:
- Riley Greene subtly called out by Tigers' GM amid urge for more contact
- MLB insider reveals $450 million reason why Tigers could trade Tarik Skubal
- Tigers predicted to sign Blue Jays slugger away from Toronto in free agency
- Why Tarik Skubal is still Tigers' best offseason trade candidate
- Tigers could finally acquire third baseman frequently linked to Detroit