Following a disappointing season, Detroit Tigers fans are hoping the team makes significant moves this offseason.
Detroit’s starting rotation is one area of focus, as Justin Verlander has retired and Jack Flaherty is a free agent.
Behind Framber Valdez, the Tigers have two young arms in Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton, who impressed with a 2.76 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 20 starts.
The Tigers are reportedly looking for upgrades, as MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports the AL Central club is “showing interest” in left-hander starter Shota Imanaga.
“The Tigers are showing interest in LHP Shota Imanaga, among other free-agent starting pitchers,” Morosi wrote on X.
Imanaga, 33, spent the first three seasons of his MLB career with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 112 ERA+ with 174 strikeouts in 174.1 innings across 32 starts in 2026.
The former Nippon Professional Baseball star has struggled with the long ball, permitting 35 home runs this past season.
Imanaga is a fly ball pitcher, and Fifth Third Park (formerly Comerica Park) is a much more pitcher-friendly stadium than Wrigley Field.
Perhaps some of those homers with the Cubs can turn into outs with the Tigers. On the flip side, the large outfield could lead to more doubles and triples.
While a reunion with Tarik Skubal is unlikely for the Tigers, they can target second- or third-tier starters in the free agent market.
Imanaga falls into that category, and he shouldn’t be overly expensive. I’d suspect he signs anywhere from a one- to three-year deal this offseason.
