Tigers explored offseason reunion with former player now thriving elsewhere

Matthew Boyd did not get the opportunity to start against the Detroit Tigers, his former team, this past weekend, but he almost returned to the Tigers last offseason. Tigers' beat writer for MLIVE, Evan Woodbery, reports that Boyd had talks with the Tigers last winter about a potential return to Detroit.

In speaking with Woodbery about his time with the Tigers, it's clear Boyd has become a fan of their success this season.

"I know how much it means to the city of Detroit. I know how much the Tigers mean to the community. I know how integral Tigers baseball is here. So it’s really cool to see what those guys over there are doing, what Scott and A.J. are doing," Boyd told Woodbery.

It is surreal to think that the Tigers have reached a point where former players are interested in a return to the organization. Even after losing out on Boyd, the Tigers were able reunite with Jack Flaherty. The interest that Boyd and Flaherty had speaks to the Tigers' culture that Scott Harris is building. Of course, it also helps that the Tigers are the best team in baseball.

Boyd spent the majority of his first eight seasons of his MLB career with the Tigers, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential for the team. During that span, there were only three years where Boyd managed to pitch over 100 innings in a season.

Injuries continued to be the theme of Boyd's career following his run with the Tigers. A recovery from Tommy John surgery limited the left-hander to eight starts with the Cleveland Guardians last season, and, ironically, he was one of the reasons why the Tigers' postseason run ended. Boyd pitched just under seven scoreless innings against Detroit during the ALDS last season.

Former Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd's career has experienced a turnaround

Boyd's showcase last postseason was one of the main reasons why he was an intriguing free agent during the offseason. Given the lack of innings pitched throughout his career, finally healthy, Boyd represented an ideal gamble for teams in the market for pitching this offseason. That resulted in him signing a two-year deal with the Cubs worth $29 million.

The gamble has proven to be a worthwhile investment for the Cubs. Through his first 12 starts this season, Boyd has logged a 3.01 ERA while striking out just under 25% of the batters he has faced this season. Finally, he has has turned into the pitcher Tigers fans always knew he could be if he was able to stay on the field.