Detroit Tigers: Three Bargain Starting Rotation Pickups

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 20: Starting pitcher Chris Tillman #30 of the Baltimore Orioles walks back to the dugout after being removed from the game in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Chris Tillman spent nine seasons with the Baltimore Orioles posting a 73-55 record with a 4.43 ERA.

Chris Tillman was an all-star in 2013, but 2017 saw him have a career-worst season. He posted a 7.84 ERA over 24 games, going 1-7 in that span. He gave up 86 runs and 24 home runs in that span. Tillman is looking for a bounce-back year in 2018 and the Detroit Tigers give him that option.

Signing him to a one-year deal gives him the chance to show that 2017 was a fluke. Tillman is probably looking for a higher value deal given how well he has performed over his career. As long as he would be fine with a one-year deal, it still makes sense for the Detroit Tigers to sign him.

If Tillman does bounce back under the Tigers, they would be able to flip him for value. This would give the Detroit Tigers a return of prospects and allow Tillman to get a longer-term deal in free agency next season. A win for both sides.

If the Detroit Tigers find Tillman to be too expensive of an option, they could always try Ricky Nolasco. The Angels declined Nolasco’s option year and sent him packing to free agency this offseason.

Chris Tillman spent nine seasons with the Baltimore Orioles posting a 73-55 record with a 4.43 ERA.

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