Pitching
As beat up as the offense was at times, it was the pitching staff that really let the Tigers down in 2015, as they posted an AL-worst 4.64 team ERA according to ESPN. Both the starting rotation and bullpen figure to get large overhauls this offseason in an effort to reload for next year.
Other than half a season of Price and some promising developments from Verlander, Detroit’s rotation was a complete mess, as the club was forced to use 12 different starting pitchers. Anibal Sanchez’s injury-riddled season didn’t help matters, and it’s unclear what his role on the team will be moving forward.
Verlander’s strong second half was the best news for the Tigers in 2015, as he finally showed an ability to get back to elite form for the first time in two years. Ideally, Verlander will continue that second half run in 2016 and be paired with an ace-level free agent starting pitcher at the top of Detroit’s rotation.
The Tigers were also able to get some solid young starting pitching talent in their various deadline deals, including Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd, both of whom figure into next season’s rotation. Still, the Tigers need to be in the market for another mid-level starter, as Sanchez is a question mark, Simon will leave in free agency, and there isn’t much elsewhere in the organization.
Detroit’s bullpen has been an issue for years, even during the team’s run atop the AL Central, and will look completely different in 2016. Blaine Hardy and Alex Wilson were the only two bright spots this season, and could very well be the only returning members.
The Tigers could use a big-name relief ace like Aroldis Chapman, but likely don’t have the resources to trade for one. Detroit will likely be linked to all the top free agent relieves and figures to be active in the trade market.
Next: Potential Targets