Insider adds another name to Tigers' offseason possibilities in exciting development

The Tigers could get by with the five starters they already have, but it's been reassuring to fans that they're actively looking at some reinforcements this offseason. They were interested in converting Ryan Helsley into a starter before he signed a two-year contract to remain a reliever with the Orioles, and they're reportedly interested in successful reliever-turned-starter Michael King.

There's a question of who the Tigers would bump from the rotation (or if they would go to a six-man) if they add to it, but they can still sign someone now and figure that out later.

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com speculated that free agent starter Ranger Suárez could end up with the Tigers — but only in a hypothetical world where they trade Tarik Skubal. However, his colleague Mark Feinsand made a more concrete connection. He confirmed that the Tigers are in on King and Pete Fairbanks, which we already knew about, but added that Suárez is "on Detroit's radar."

He'll almost certainly be more expensive than King, but a deal in the realm of six years would give the rotation (which will lose all of Skubal, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty after 2026) a long-term anchor.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com confirms Tigers' interest in All-Star free agent Ranger Suárez

Suárez has struggled a little bit with his health since he became a full-time starter in 2022, and he only just pitched a career-high 157 1/3 innings this season. However, he's been healthy for all of the Phillies' postseason runs and has a great 1.48 ERA in 42 2/3 October innings.

The Tigers love breaking and offspeed pitches, and Suárez's changeup and curveball — his second and fourth most-used pitches — can be lethal. However, the Tigers might want to work with him on his third most-used cutter, which batters slugged .562 against this year.

Detroit could also use another lefty behind Skubal, and one who would stay (and presumably step up into the No. 1 starter role) if Skubal departs.

Contract predictions for Suárez are a little all over the place. ESPN, whose guesses have been more conservative, predicts four years and $92 million, while The Athletic has six years and $153 million — a $2.5 million difference in AAV. Either way, it's more money than they've given to a starter in a long time, but they need some more long-term assurance in the rotation and will have to pay up to get it.