Former GM links Tigers to frontline starter to pair with Tarik Skubal

Former GM links Tigers to frontline starter to pair with Tarik Skubal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers come into the offseason with a few holes they need to fill. They could use an upgrade at third base and could use an offensive upgrade at the catching position.

Another area of need the club will look to fill over the winter is its need for another starting pitcher to pair with Tarik Skubal. While trade rumors have run rampant with Skubal, the possibility that he stays in Detroit is high.

Detroit has a ton of frontline starters who are sitting on the open market to choose from. They could take a stab at trying to sign one of the headliners, like Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez, or they could look at bringing in someone with a smaller market, like Lucas Giolito or Griffin Canning.

Former GM links Tigers to frontline starter to pair with Tarik Skubal

One pitcher who will not have as big a market as he should is Zac Gallen. He is coming off a rough 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he posted a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA across 192 innings of work.

Parts of his struggles included a decreased fastball command, and his curveball was not as effective as it had been in the past. But he was able to finish off the season strong, which is a good sign.

A change of scenery could be all that Gallen needs, and The Athletic's Jim Bowden agrees.

"A change in scenery probably makes sense for him at this point, with the Astros, Tigers, Orioles, Braves, Mets, and Cubs all possibilities if he doesn't return to Arizona."

Bowden believes Gallen could be a good fit for the Tigers, but that is not all. He also mentioned the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs as other potential suitors.

More MLB news:

• Astros linked to former All-Star arm to help bolster the rotation

• Padres reporter lists two prospects that fans will want to pay attention to

• ESPN insider lists Astros slugger as potential trade chip this offseason

• Orioles slugger's time in Baltimore could be coming to an end this winter

• ESPN insider adds to Astros outfielder's rampant trade rumors