Detroit Tigers: Three Bargain Starting Rotation Pickups

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The Detroit Tigers have a tentative starting rotation in place. Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press points out the Detroit Tigers still need insurance.

The Detroit Tigers could use an arm or two in the starting rotation for insurance purposes. But, they’re rebuilding so they want a low-risk arm. A veteran looking to bounce back and prove his worth would be perfect for the team.

The team could always bring back Anibal Sanchez, but change is already happening in the Motor City. Bringing him back would go against the grains of a rebuild. The payroll is being shed and there are some still some bargain free-agent finds left.

Cheap, flippable and providing insurance are what the Detroit Tigers need most. The cheap provides the Tigers with a low-risk, low-paying contract that doesn’t break the bank. Flippable lets the Tigers get a return for taking a chance on the player. Insurance allows the Tigers to have options in the rotation and not get caught in a jam should an injury arise.

Here are three free-agent finds the Detroit Tigers should that would fit those three things. First up, former Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman.

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.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 27: Ricky Nolasco #47 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the first inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 27, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Ricky Nolasco has spent twelve seasons in the majors. In that time he’s had stints with the Marlins, Dodgers, Twins, and Angels.

The end of the 2017 season saw the Los Angeles Angels decline the option of Ricky Nolasco’s four-year $49-million contract. Nolasco posted a 6-15 record with a 4.92 ERA throughout 33 games last season. It’s highly unlikely he’ll be offered the kind of deal he’s looking for.

With a month until spring training he’s still a free agent. Que, the Detroit Tigers. They can give him a cheaper one-year deal than they could Chris Tillman. This sets up the Tigers to have the kind of insurance they need for with the starting rotation.

If Nolasco exceeds expectations come to the trade deadline, they could try and get a prospect or two for Nolasco. They could also try and keep the veteran pitcher around for another season as they continue to rebuild.

Both options are viable given Nolasco’s career. He’s been a fourth or fifth arm at best, going 114-118 with a 4.56 ERA in twelve major league seasons.

If Nolasco doesn’t pan out as an option for the Detroit Tigers, they could always sign Brett Anderson. Another low-cost free agent.

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 1: Brett Anderson #46 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Brett Anderson has nine seasons in the majors under his belt. Across stints with Oakland, the Rockies, the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Cubs he’s posted a career 4.04 ERA.

Brett Anderson placed sixth in the AL ROY voting in 2009 and followed that with a 2.80 ERA season in 2010. His ERA has gone up and down since then, including an 11.91 ERA season in 2016.

He’s been plagued by injury over the past several seasons, but if he can stay healthy he’d be a good option for a fifth-man in the starting rotation. Given the injuries and performances of the past couple season, he’s a prime candidate for a cheap one-year deal to the Detroit Tigers.

Providing he can stay healthy, he’s young enough that a decent year would allow the Tigers to trade him at near the deadline. He’s also the kind of player the Detroit Tigers could keep around while they’re rebuilding.

He has veteran experience that could be worthwhile for up and coming prospects. The Detroit Tigers could also sign him to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, which would be even better for the team. Anderson might be looking for a big league deal, however.

Next: Predicting the Tigers 2018 Starting Rotation

Each of these players provides the Detroit Tigers with an insurance option for the starting rotation. They can provide cheap deals, that if they perform well enough could be flippable for prospects in return.

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The Detroit Tigers have a tentative starting rotation in place. Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press points out the Detroit Tigers still need insurance.

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

Ricky Nolasco has spent twelve seasons in the majors. In that time he’s had stints with the Marlins, Dodgers, Twins, and Angels.

Brett Anderson has nine seasons in the majors under his belt. Across stints with Oakland, the Rockies, the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Cubs he’s posted a career 4.04 ERA.

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