Tigers Free Agency Update: Scott Harris reportedly targeting 2 veteran pitchers

So far, the Tigers' offseason doesn't seem like it's enough to take the team to a new level in 2026. The biggest deal they've signed to this point brought Kyle Finnegan back to the team on a two-year deal and the acquisition of Kenley Jansen clearly demonstrates that the front office is prioritizing the bullpen this winter. Unfortunately, the rest of the roster hasn't received the same attention.

The only other big league roster addition that the organization has made thus far was to sign starting pitcher Drew Anderson who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021. He had a strong year in the KBO in 2025 but if Detroit wants a better supporting cast for Tarik Skubal, they'll need more. Luckily, it seems like the club is already closing on their next targets.

The Tigers are reportedly pursuing Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito in free agency

According to a recent report by The Athletic, the Tigers are hoping to add more starting pitching depth for next season, and Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito are two of the top options. Detroit is likely aiming for short-term deals to keep payroll obligations low, and according to MLBTradeRumors, both players are estimated to sign two-year deals in the $30-40 million range – a perfectly reasonable financial commitment.

Bassitt had a solid season with the Blue Jays, posting a 3.96 ERA and 4.01 FIP across 170.1 innings. He continued to find success through minimizing hard contact, placing in the top quartile of qualified pitchers in average exit velocity (87.7 mph) and hard-hit rate (36.6%). He'll be 37 years old by the time Opening Day rolls around but his style of pitching isn't dependent on athleticism and he would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Tigers.

Giolito missed all of 2024 due to an injured UCL but bounced back in 2025 with a 3.41 ERA and 4.17 FIP over 145 innings. Despite having comparable numbers to Bassitt, his peripherals weren't as encouraging as he failed to place above average in any Statcast metric other than his extension. However, he is considerably younger at just 31 years old and could return to the peak form he put on display while with the White Sox.

Much of this depends on how the Tigers will fare in Tarik Skubal's record-breaking arbitration case. If they end up having to pay closer to the $32 million being sought by their ace, payroll limitations could prohibit them from pursuing either. As the most valuable asset on the team, his current negotiations may be the reason why the front office hasn't done much just yet.

Neither signing is necessarily enough to break out the champagne but with a lack of appealing long-term options and a bright future in the form of a top-tier farm system, the Tigers don't necessarily need to get the shiniest player off the shelf. Small but meaningful acquisitions still move the needle forward – and for a young team with plenty of exciting upside, it may be just what they need right now.