2025-2026 Tigers Off Season Thread

[Tiger337]

8 minutes ago, chasfh said:

I agree although having two such pitchers is kind of a rare luxury. I think if we had one, they would get the majority of high-leverage closing situations. The only time they would not is if they are not available for some reason. But as long as we have a bullpen the level of what it was in 2025, there would probably be more mixing and matching. 

Whether or not it's a luxury depends on how high you raise the bar for "real closer".   There have been plenty of cases where teams had two really good relievers who could have closed for a good number of other teams, but only one had the closer role.  Since this discussion started with Pete Fairbanks, I don't think that sets the bar super high.   

[papalawrence]

Tiger Territory today mentioned Valdez, suggesting he'd require ~ 5/140. They said that's not Harris' way, but having him and Skubal at the top of the rotation would be formidable and would show Skubal that they mean business. Harris usually requires some significant injury history before his interest gets peaked. So I don't expect Valdez to be a Tiger.

[4hzglory]

4 minutes ago, papalawrence said:

Tiger Territory today mentioned Valdez, suggesting he'd require ~ 5/140. They said that's not Harris' way, but having him and Skubal at the top of the rotation would be formidable and would show Skubal that they mean business. Harris usually requires some significant injury history before his interest gets peaked. So I don't expect Valdez to be a Tiger.

Valdez does come with the history of throwing at his catcher.  He's someone I don't really want with that history and the fact that he's 32 for what he'd command.  I wouldn't be surprised if he gets 6 years and at least the same AAV as the 5/140.

[SoCalTiger]

pass on Valdez. too old too much $$

[RatkoVarda]

Harris should only sign good, young, durable starters who don't command a lot of $$$ or years.

[Tiger337]

Just now, RatkoVarda said:

Harris should only sign good, young, durable starters who don't command a lot of $$$ or years.

And who don't have a bad temper and who sincerely love the city of Detroit

[gehringer_2]

1 hour ago, SoCalTiger said:

pass on Valdez. too old too much $$

well, I don't mind the idea of 32 yr old pitcher per se, he could easily have 4 good yrs left, but no - I don't want a 32 year old pitcher on a 6-8 yr deal either, and someone will probably give him one.

[1984Echoes]

I'd rather have Imai.

[chasfh]

2 hours ago, RatkoVarda said:

Harris should only sign good, young, durable starters who don't command a lot of $$$ or years.

I'm sure there are plenty of those on the shelf at Walmart. All he's got to do is go there and pick one up ... easy pease ... 😉

[Tiger337]

1 hour ago, chasfh said:

I'm sure there are plenty of those on the shelf at Walmart. All he's got to do is go there and pick one up ... easy pease ... 😉

He won't find them at the goodwill store.  

[casimir]

4 minutes ago, Tiger337 said:

He won't find them at the goodwill store.  

Easy there, boomer.  Kids these days have a thing for thrifting.

[HeyAbbott]

I think that I am perfectly OK with an impact infielder FA coming to Detroit, If not Bregman, then somebody else. The infields contribution to wins has mildly improved with a hernia-repaired Torres and the departure of Ibanez. If they sign Bregman, will we see less of Sweeney? That would be my hope.

We need a replacement OF as the overall health of our outfield may be less than what is required. Let Clark mellow like fine scotch in Toledo.

I also think the pitching in the minors is somewhat thin, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Olson go under the knife this year, possibly before the ASB. Jobe or Madden will not be available replacements more than likely either IMO.

We need a starting pitcher. We need a bullpen arm or 2. We need an outfielder. We need Bregman. for the IF. 

[gehringer_2]

haven't heard anything about Jobe, but at the time of his surgery it was reported he had the newer less disruptive procedure that SGL uderwent. SGL's recovery from the TJ was pretty fast but his other injury problems effectively distracted from noticing that.

Edited 4 hours ago by gehringer_2

[TcFlint]

I do not trust Scott Harris’s judgement on free agent signings or trades.  I also think he made a mistake with the Torres qualifying offer.  For a couple years he has said he would use our own system, free agency, and trades to improve going forward.  We have heard from Harris and Greenberg we need to address our bullpen, but still waiting while 2 hard throwing relievers  signed elsewhere.  One of those, Helsley, they wanted to convert to being a starter while Helsley wanted to remain a reliever.  He signed with the Orioles.  Harris has done a good job improving our minor league system and signing Torres last season, however, he has failed to increase our chances of getting to the World Series through trade or free agency in my opinion.