6 players in the 2024 World Series the Tigers should eye in free agency

While the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers compete for a World Series title, the Detroit Tigers front office should be paying close attention to the players who might become available this offseason.

As the Tigers look to be competitive in 2025 and beyond, here are a few players from this year's World Series teams that they could eye in free agency this winter to help them improve in several key areas.

3 players in the 2024 World Series Tigers should eye in free agency

Jack Flaherty (RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Yes, the Tigers parted with Jack Flaherty just three months ago at the trade deadline, but they are in a completely different position now than many would have expected. When Flaherty departed Detroit for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Tigers were textbook sellers, already focused on 2025. But they caught fire, made the playoffs, slayed the postseason dragon that is the Houston Astros and made it all the way to the American League Division Series.

Now that the Tigers look like a team that could spend in the offseason and make a legitimate push toward contending in 2025, a reunion with Flaherty would make a lot of sense. Starting pitching remains an area of need in Detroit, and this team could do a lot of damage with a one-two punch of Tarik Skubal and Flaherty atop their rotation.

Walker Buehler (RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Another Dodgers pitcher who could make an impact in Detroit's rotation is Walker Buehler. The right-hander returned to a Major League mound for the first time in nearly two years after undergoing multiple surgeries on his throwing arm. His health remains a concern, as does his spotty performance during the regular season, but his dominance during the playoffs has provided some hope that he could return to form as the quality starter he was for the Dodgers in years past.

Given his injury history, Buehler is a high-risk, high-reward option for the Tigers as they look to bolster their starting rotation for 2025. If he can stay healthy, his playoff experience can be especially valuable to a young, up-and-coming team like Detroit.

Teoscar Hernández (LF, Dodgers)

Detroit's rebuild has been a slow and steady process that is beginning to pay off, and Teoscar Hernández is the type of "big swing" Detroit could take to really move the needle. The Tigers' lineup is rife with young talent, but adding some offensive firepower from a veteran outfielder like Hernández could go a long way in stabilizing and shoring up their offense to turn them into a legitimate contender in 2025.

During the regular season, Hernández slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 99 RBI. He profiles as the type of big-time bat the Tigers need after ranking in the bottom half of the league in total runs per game in 2024.

Clay Holmes (RHP, Yankees), Tommy Kahnle (RHP, Yankees), Blake Treinen (RHP, Dodgers)

The Tigers could also use some bullpen help, and they could be eyeing the trio of right-handed relievers pitching in the World Series who will be hitting free agency this offseason. Clay Holmes is coming off a second-half collapse that saw him blow 13 saves in 2024, but his entire body of work with the Yankees dating back to 2021 would make him a valuable addition to the Tigers' bullpen.

Tommy Kahnle has been one of the Yankees' best relievers in the playoffs, striking out seven over 8 2/3 scoreless innings. At 35, he is four years older than Holmes, but both would provide veteran leadership to Detroit's bullpen.

The same could be said for Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, who, at 36 years old, is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career after missing 2023 while recovering from surgery. Los Angeles will likely try to retain him, but the Tigers should certainly have him on their short list just in case. If AJ Hinch wants to tone down the pitching chaos, some stability in the form of these experienced relievers would go a long way.

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