Detroit Tigers: 5 offseason tasks that need to be accomplished

More SP Trade Bait

Last offseason, the Detroit Tigers signed two pitchers – Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano – primarily to provide added depth to their rotation but also to serve as July trade bait.

While Liriano is still on the roster, the Tigers were able to ship Fiers to the A’s for prospect Nolan Blackwood and a player to be named later.

While Detroit’s outstanding rotation prospects are inching closer to the big leagues, none of them will be in the rotation to start the season – barring a miracle. As of now, Detroit’s rotation will likely look something like this: Michael Fulmer, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris, Blaine Hardy and Jordan Zimmermann. The Tigers may want Hardy back in the bullpen, and could certainly use more insurance from injuries and ineffectiveness.

Looking at the free agent market, there are a handful of pitchers Detroit could target on a one-year deal. Pitchers like pitching in the spacious Comerica Park, and if they perform well they know that Avila is willing to send them to contenders to restock the farm.

Here are a few names to keep an eye on: Marco Estrada, Jaime Garcia, Drew Pomeranz, Tyson Ross and Josh Tomlin.