Tigers may have newfound free agency opportunities after Cardinals' early moves

Did the Detroit Tigers' front office just get some inspiration after the early offseason happenings? On Thursday afternoon, the Cardinals decided to part ways with three pitchers they just picked up last offseason — Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton. All three had club options for a second year, but because the Cardinals' get-out-ahead approach to the free agent market last year got them absolutely nowhere in 2024, St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is prioritizing "maximum flexibility" for their offseason approach this year.

The Cardinals were expected to let go of Lynn and Middleton, both of whom were hurt for significant amounts of time this year, but Gibson comes as a little more of a surprise. His ERA was in the low-4.00s, so he had a decent season, and he was also a steady presence through 160+ innings. He had reportedly expressed interest in staying St. Louis ahead of the team's decision, but there will be a market for him when free agents really start to come off of the board.

The Tigers, who will be looking for starting pitching this offseason, could eye Gibson or Lynn as back end rotation options.

Former Cardinals Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn could be rotation options for Tigers in free agency

This may not sound like a favorable comparison at first, but hear us out: either could operate inthe role that Kenta Maeda was supposed to fill this season, if that hadn't turned sour almost immediately. Gibson especially could give the Tigers 160+ innings for a decent 4.00-ish ERA, and be reliable for consistent six-inning outings to help stabilize the rotation.

Lynn would be a little more of a dice roll due to his injuries and up-and-down nature, whereas Gibson has been steady as a No. 4-5 starter for most of his 12-year career.

While we sort of hope that, if the Tigers really do have a bigger budget to chase free agents this offseason, they shoot the moon a little bit for whoever will follow Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson. However, Gibson especially does feel like a candidate that the Tigers would like, and he could bring some veteran wisdom to the clubhouse while slotting in at the back of the rotation.