Welcome to Detroit Sports Forum!

By joining our community, you'll be able to connect with fellow fans that live and breathe Detroit sports just like you!

Get Started
  • If you are no longer able to access your account since our recent switch from vBulletin to XenForo, you may need to reset your password via email. If you no longer have access to the email attached to your account, please fill out our contact form and we will assist you ASAP. Thanks for your continued support of DSF.

Tigers 2025-2026 Offseason: Trades, Free Agents, Call ups, Rule 5, tender, non-tender, Skubal Cy Young Award

FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

Before we start to address in-depth roster needs, let’s cover some things that have been happening during this World Series period. Some of it Tigers, some of it MLB.
Sometimes teams not playing this late in the season try to sneak some things past fans, hoping they won’t notice. Some for obvious reasons.
Here are the 5 best news bits happening right now.
 
In 2025, Detroit Tigers hitters had the 4th highest K% + the 10th highest whiff rate in MLB.
In 2025, Toronto Blue Jays hitters had the lowest K% + the lowest whiff rate in MLB.
For Detroit to take the next step offensively, they'll need some internal improvement in those areas.
 
3 Tigers prospects who must be traded this offseason, 2 who must stay.
When the offseason rolls around, there are a few clear prospects the Tigers should dangle in trade talks and two who need to be held onto.
MCBTB
 
Gleyber Torres Undergoes Sports Hernia Surgery.
MLBTR

Detroit Tigers' Gleyber Torres undergoes hernia surgery before free agency.
Freep

He was looking for a 5 year 100 million. I don't see it happening.
 
SATURDAY SURVEY.
Totally Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were eliminated from the playoffs at the ALDS level. Since then, we’ve been able to watch or read about the teams who made it past – the Blue Jays, Brewers, Dodgers and Mariners. Watching their players perform has given us a better sense of what this Tigers’ team needs to do in order to advance to the ALCS and World Series.
Scott Harris’ 1st roster was the 2023 one but 2 years later, it remains a largely inherited one. But this team went to the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, improving in both years.
However, we understand that this roster still needs to change in order to reach the next level. There are concerns over all 4 areas of the game – pitching, relieving, hitting and defense.
Based upon what you’ve watched or read about the 4 teams that made it further into the playoffs than the Tigers, how far away do you believe the Tigers are from reaching the World Series?
What year is your estimate?

What year do you believe the Tigers will reach the World Series?

1. 2026

2. 2027

3. 2028

4. 2029 or beyond

VOTE
 
SATURDAY SURVEY.
Totally Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were eliminated from the playoffs at the ALDS level. Since then, we’ve been able to watch or read about the teams who made it past – the Blue Jays, Brewers, Dodgers and Mariners. Watching their players perform has given us a better sense of what this Tigers’ team needs to do in order to advance to the ALCS and World Series.
Scott Harris’ 1st roster was the 2023 one but 2 years later, it remains a largely inherited one. But this team went to the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, improving in both years.
However, we understand that this roster still needs to change in order to reach the next level. There are concerns over all 4 areas of the game – pitching, relieving, hitting and defense.
Based upon what you’ve watched or read about the 4 teams that made it further into the playoffs than the Tigers, how far away do you believe the Tigers are from reaching the World Series?
What year is your estimate?

What year do you believe the Tigers will reach the World Series?

1. 2026

2. 2027

3. 2028

4. 2029 or beyond

VOTE
I voted 2028. They can certainly get there before then, but my vote is for when I think they have a chance to win
 
I voted 2028. They can certainly get there before then, but my vote is for when I think they have a chance to win
I voted 2029 and beyond. The next two years we will see some of the minor leaguers we keep hearing about as future all-stars to build a team around, but with a strike looming after 2026, everything could be delayed which includes player development.
The other thing that keeps me from thinking earlier is if Harris continues his bargain basement shopping of free agents. One of these years he is going to need Junior Ilitch to sign one or two larger name players to help a group of younger players by following their example in the field and with each at bat.
 

Max Anderson Joins Tiger Territory Podcast. 47 minutes.
Rising Detroit Tigers prospect Max Anderson joins The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen and co-host Kieran Steckley to discuss his time in the Tiger organization, his preparation for an important 2026, and why he wears glasses.
 
YOU BUILD THE ROSTER.
Totally Tigers

Over the past week, we saw from fan voting that this team is not as talented as first thought. Very few players earning spots on top performance leader boards other than Tarik Skubal and Dillon Dingler. Even Riley Greene was making the lists of both good and bad.
Fans overwhelmingly voted that they believe A. J. Hinch is the difference-maker for the team, getting his players to overperform. But he can only get them so far before a new infusion of talent is required.
We know that the Tigers plan on bringing up top prospects this year who will need time to acclimate and prove themselves. And we are aware that the starting rotation has holes in it as well as the infield and bullpen.
There are lots of needs. Some will be filled from within and presumably some trades will be made.

But what about free agents? Specifically, higher-profile ones who will require a solid number of years and an even bigger salary. (We are not considering lesser free agents who will be happy with 1-2 contracts and less eye-popping salaries.)
Should the Tigers be going after a top free agent this year or is it too soon? If they do, will one of this player’s best and most productive years be wasted as the roster continues to be re-made and undergo multiple changes?
Will any new free agent block a top prospect from coming up?
Would a very high salary that takes up a majority of payroll be a disruptor on a roster that considers every player to be equal?

And what about the potential for yet another baseball strike after the 2026 season?
Or should the Tigers wait before signing a top free agent? Should they wait to see how the top prospects like Kevin McGonigle and Troy Melton pan out first?
Time for you to make the call!

Should the Tigers sign an expensive top free agent this winter?

1. Yes, they need him now.

2. No, it's still a little too early.

VOTE
 
YOU BUILD THE ROSTER.
Totally Tigers

Over the past week, we saw from fan voting that this team is not as talented as first thought. Very few players earning spots on top performance leader boards other than Tarik Skubal and Dillon Dingler. Even Riley Greene was making the lists of both good and bad.
Fans overwhelmingly voted that they believe A. J. Hinch is the difference-maker for the team, getting his players to overperform. But he can only get them so far before a new infusion of talent is required.
We know that the Tigers plan on bringing up top prospects this year who will need time to acclimate and prove themselves. And we are aware that the starting rotation has holes in it as well as the infield and bullpen.
There are lots of needs. Some will be filled from within and presumably some trades will be made.

But what about free agents? Specifically, higher-profile ones who will require a solid number of years and an even bigger salary. (We are not considering lesser free agents who will be happy with 1-2 contracts and less eye-popping salaries.)
Should the Tigers be going after a top free agent this year or is it too soon? If they do, will one of this player’s best and most productive years be wasted as the roster continues to be re-made and undergo multiple changes?
Will any new free agent block a top prospect from coming up?
Would a very high salary that takes up a majority of payroll be a disruptor on a roster that considers every player to be equal?

And what about the potential for yet another baseball strike after the 2026 season?
Or should the Tigers wait before signing a top free agent? Should they wait to see how the top prospects like Kevin McGonigle and Troy Melton pan out first?
Time for you to make the call!

Should the Tigers sign an expensive top free agent this winter?

1. Yes, they need him now.

2. No, it's still a little too early.

VOTE
If they go after a higher end FA, make it a starting pitcher. A pitcher won't block a young player, and you can never have enough starting pitching.
 
Back
Top