Chris Fetter could be selling point for Detroit Tigers to acquire struggling starter

The Detroit Tigers have seen a few resurgent stories come through their organization over the past few seasons. Michael Lorenzen took a huge step up in 2023 when he was with the Tigers, and was then traded to the Phillies in time for the postseason. The very next season, Jack Flaherty became the summer's top trade target after a full career 180, and would go on to win a World Series with the Dodgers. This season, there could be a similar story in Detroit.

The New York Yankees have had an interesting offseason, losing Juan Soto, Nestor Cortes Jr., and Gleyber Torres, but acquiring Devin Williams, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Max Fried. It has been no secret that the Yankees have been looking to move Marcus Stroman in order to free up more payroll space. There are plenty of rotation options for the Yankees, and Stroman has had major struggles at Yankee Stadium.

Stroman has always had a knack for giving up the long ball in his career, especially when he struggles and spirals. Yankee Stadium is not a good place to have that issue. Hypothetically speaking, if the Stro Show were going to find its way to Detroit, Comerica Park would be a much better park fit for the veteran starter if he wanted to contain the long ball.

Not only is Comerica Park infinitely more pitcher-friendly, but Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter was recently named Baseball America's 2024 MLB Coach of the Year. He has led the charge on multiple career resurgences during his time in Detroit, and Stroman should be no different. Stroman had good numbers outside of The Bronx last year. A 3.09 ERA with only four home runs allowed is a stark contrast to a 5.31 ERA and 15 home runs allowed at home.

The Detroit Tigers may have found Chris Fetter's new project in Marcus Stroman

The Tigers need solid pitching to limit Kenta Maeda and Alex Cobb's innings this season. Stroman showed plenty of promise last year and has throughout his career, especially if he's kept from tiring by adhering to a certain innings plateau. If Fetter can find a way to get the sinker baller to recapture his 2023 Chicago Cubs form, or even the form from when he was with Toronto, that would be a huge step for the Detroit Tigers.

This is not to mention that Stroman has always been someone who is liked in the clubhouse and can bring a veteran presence to the team while still matching the energy of the young kids. This came up when the Tigers signed Alex Cobb earlier this offseason, but Stroman matching the energy of the kids while also teaching will have a bigger impact than what Cobb might bring.

If Stroman throws 140 innings in 2025, his vesting player option (also $18 million) for 2026 emerges. If Fetter fixes him, this will be no issue, but it's something to be aware of. If he continues to struggle, then he won't reach that mark after Detroit and the Yankees agree on a salary midpoint for 2025. Regardless, he has a far better chance of success with the Tigers than he does with the Yankees, and Detroit should explore this option.