Drew Anderson vs Keider Montero is a Tigers battle that will stick around in spring training

Drew Anderson has slowly but surely turned into a solid No. 4/5 in the Tigers rotation. He posted a 4.24 ERA in a hybrid role before the trade deadline, but has since put a 2.58 ERA since moving into a starter role full-time.

The Tigers still have him on a short leash, as he has yet to pitch more than 5 1/3 innings in a start, but his performance on Tuesday night against the Blue Jays was his best yet. He threw five innings and only gave up two hits and no runs. He gave up three walks — those have been a bit of problem for him this season — but cleaned up after himself well.

Keider Montero took the mound the day after Anderson as the Tigers looked for a sweep and their seventh consecutive win. Montero, too, has been a success story for Detroit. He's been caught in an in-between role for some parts of the last few seasons, but was asked to step up early this year when Justin Verlander went onto the IL after one start.

Detroit's 2027 rotation looks decently set without one of Anderson or Montero. Assuming Framber Valdez, Troy Melton, Jackson Jobe, and Reese Olson are all healthy next season, and assuming the Tigers stick to a five-man rotation, Anderson and Montero may be tasked with duking it out in spring training.

Who has the leg up in the Tigers' 2027 rotation roster battle, Drew Anderson or Keider Montero?

Both Anderson and Montero are accustomed to working in a hybrid role for the Tigers and have performed comparably throughout the season. Anderson has clearly preferred to work as a starter — his performance since moving into the rotation makes that clear — and he'll be making more money as long as the Tigers pick up their $10 million club option for 2027.

On the other hand, Montero was in first, and one could argue that he's paid his dues with how long he's spent going up and down between the majors and minors and between the rotation and bullpen.

Going to a six-man rotation may actually be advisable, given that Olson will be coming off of a shoulder surgery and could use the extra day of rest while they also stretch him back out slowly.

No matter what happens, Anderson and Montero's contributions to the club are something the Tigers can hang their hats on in 2026.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow