‘26 Starting Rotation

[Tiger337]

23 minutes ago, 1984Echoes said:

I like the sign-Cease idea.

Don't know the cost or if he even has interest in Detroit...

But I like the idea...

I would say that the cost and interest are highly connected.  

[Tenacious D]

Cease would be nice protection against a Skubal defection.  No one can replace Tarik, but you can be a playoff team without an elite ace, with 3-4 very good starters.  (Milwaukee, Toronto and Seattle).

 

[ICroupier]

On 10/10/2025 at 5:49 PM, Tigermojo said:

My guess for the rotation is Skubal, FA, Olson, Flaherty (if he stays), Mize.

Melton, Montero, SGL are insurance at Toledo. Maybe Hamm ends up in Toledo at some point.

This is my thinking, as well. My hope is that Flaherty opts out, but I just don't see it happening, as I think he really likes it in Detroit.

I'm fine with Melton as the #5, but only if we acquire a legit #2. A legit #2 is necessary no matter what else happens with the rotation and is the most important acquisition of the offseason. And yes, I have significant concerns with our offense and feel we need several upgrades there. But without a legit #2, this team isn't going anywhere.

Olson is the only potential #3 on the roster, and with his return from injury, I'll be shocked if he gets 20 starts. So Mize will need to step up for part of the year (otherwise he's a #4). And I do like our depth guys - Urquidy, Montero, SGL - strictly as spot starters or back of the rotation types. We absolutely don't need to sign any #4-#5 starter types. Let's not make the Cobb mistake again.

[Tigermojo]

22 minutes ago, ICroupier said:

This is my thinking, as well. My hope is that Flaherty opts out, but I just don't see it happening, as I think he really likes it in Detroit.

I'm fine with Melton as the #5, but only if we acquire a legit #2. A legit #2 is necessary no matter what else happens with the rotation and is the most important acquisition of the offseason. And yes, I have significant concerns with our offense and feel we need several upgrades there. But without a legit #2, this team isn't going anywhere.

Olson is the only potential #3 on the roster, and with his return from injury, I'll be shocked if he gets 20 starts. So Mize will need to step up for part of the year (otherwise he's a #4). And I do like our depth guys - Urquidy, Montero, SGL - strictly as spot starters or back of the rotation types. We absolutely don't need to sign any #4-#5 starter types. Let's not make the Cobb mistake again.

A good starter isn't blocking anyone. As we learned at the deadline, a mediocre starter is potentially limiting quality innings from our AAA depth.