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Detroit Tigers: Three Bargain Starting Rotation Pickups

By Adam McIntosh

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 01: A view from the Tiger spring training home Joker Marchant Stadium before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2016 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 01: A view from the Tiger spring training home Joker Marchant Stadium before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2016 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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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)
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.

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