Former Tigers star could be option to help rotation after recent free agency report

Once the Detroit Tigers resolve Tarik Skubal's arbitration mess, it would seem that the goal for the front office should be to add another established starting pitcher to the rotation. Detroit seems to be hoping that Drew Anderson can be the answer, but counting on that feels like a mistake. It's why the Tigers have been urged to sign Framber Valdez or reunite with Justin Verlander, but the front office doesn't appear to be itching to spend money before the start of the season.

That might change if the Tigers win Skubal's hearing, but chances are the current projected starting rotation will be the one that Detroit rolls out on Opening Day.

If the Tigers prefer to play things out, seeing how things fall into place before making a move, that could put them in a perfect spot for a reunion.

Max Scherzer is waiting for the right opportunity, and could be a perfect in-season move for the Tigers.

The Athletic's (subscription required) Ken Rosenthal recently spoke with Max Scherzer, who confirmed that he is fully healthy and would be ready for the start of spring training if he were with a team. Scherzer is a free agent and told the MLB insider that he is fine waiting until after the season starts to sign with one of his preferred destinations.

Scherzer spent the 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, and while he was a part of their rotation during the World Series, a return to Toronto likely has been ruled out after their additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.

Obviously, Scherzer isn't going to be holding out for an opportunity to sign with a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates. Contenders are always in the market for rotation depth, and it stands to reason that the Tigers will be one of those teams.

Assuming the Tigers don't reunite with Verlander before Opening Day, monitoring Scherzer's status may be the ideal move. Of course, he's not the pitcher he was when he ascended toward being one of the best arms in the game during his first stop in Detroit, but his work in the World Series last October proved he is still capable of taking the mound every five days.

Sure, the Tigers should aim higher in their search to upgrade their rotation, but for the lane they chose, waiting on Scherzer may be the best of all possible outcomes.