Tigers Face Pitching Dilemma as 2025 Season Looms

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Tigers, fresh off a surprising 2024 playoff run, are navigating a pivotal offseason as they aim to build on last year’s success. Despite snapping a lengthy postseason drought and falling just one win short of the American League Championship Series, the team faces critical decisions to address its pitching staff before the 2025 season begins.

The Tigers made modest upgrades this offseason, acquiring infielder Gleyber Torres and veteran pitcher Alex Cobb. However, questions remain about whether these moves will be enough to elevate the team to true World Series contention. Cobb, 37, is coming off an injury-plagued season with only three appearances, raising concerns about his durability. Meanwhile, the rotation currently features ace Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, Jackson Jobe, and Cobb, with Casey Mize or Keider Montero likely filling the fifth spot.

“The Tigers need another front-end starter if they want to compete in a seven-game series against the league’s best,” said a recent analysis. The team has been linked to high-profile players like Alex Bregman and Jack Flaherty, but their pursuit of San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King has drawn particular attention. King, who posted a 2.95 ERA in 30 starts last season, is seen as a potential upgrade, though his status as a pending free agent complicates matters.

“Would they pay a hefty price for a rental while they’re still early in their contention cycle? It seems doubtful,” one analyst noted. “The Tigers have prospects to make a deal, but trading for a short-term asset like King might not align with their long-term plans.”

King’s affordability—he filed for $8 million in arbitration—makes him an attractive target, but the Tigers may hesitate to part with top prospects for a player who could depart after one season. Additionally, the team faces pressure to extend Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner, who is under team control for two more seasons. Despite being represented by Scott Boras, known for steering clients to free agency, Skubal’s extension remains a possibility.

As spring training approaches, the Tigers’ front office must decide whether to bolster their rotation through trades or rely on internal options. With pitchers and catchers reporting in weeks, time is running out to address the glaring need for depth and reliability in their starting staff.

“The Tigers have the pieces to make a deal, but they need to act soon,” said another source. “Whether it’s King or another arm, they can’t afford to go into the season with unanswered questions in their rotation.”