Detroit Tigers Sign Drew Anderson to Bolster Bullpen Depth

The Detroit Tigers are taking a gamble on a late-blooming arm. They’ve signed right-hander Drew Anderson to a one-year deal with a club option for 2027 after his resurgence in Japan and Korea.

The front office hopes his transformation overseas will translate back to MLB. They need someone to stabilize the back end of a rotation that still has more questions than answers behind ace Tarik Skubal.

Detroit Tigers Take a Low-Risk Shot on Drew Anderson

The Tigers’ agreement with Anderson is a short-term play with possible long-term upside. They get cost control through a 2027 club option.

This move fits a franchise trying to bridge the gap from rebuilding to serious contention. It’s the kind of upside swing that might pay off quietly but in a big way.

Anderson, now 32 years old, arrives knowing he’ll get a shot to compete for a rotation spot, especially the fifth starter job. That role’s been a revolving door in Detroit, and the front office wants a stabilizing presence with some strikeout punch.

Why a One-Year Deal Makes Sense for Both Sides

For Detroit, this structure avoids long-term risk but keeps a potential late-career breakout arm in-house if he clicks. Anderson gets a shot to reestablish himself as a big league starter after rebuilding his value abroad.

If he proves himself, that 2027 option is on the table. It’s a real carrot for a guy looking for stability.

From MLB Struggles to Overseas Success

Anderson’s career arc is a study in perseverance. Once a fringe big leaguer bouncing between organizations, he reinvented himself overseas and now returns to MLB with a much different profile.

His first stint in the majors, from 2017–2021 with the Phillies, White Sox, and Rangers, never really clicked. Over 44 1/3 MLB innings, he had a 6.50 ERA, struggling with command, consistency, and the long ball.

Breakout in Japan and Korea

Instead of fading away, Anderson went overseas and rebuilt his career. In 2022, he joined the Hiroshima Carp in Japan and posted a 3.05 ERA over two seasons.

That performance got MLB teams’ attention. In 2024, Detroit first signed Anderson to a minor league deal, but he ended up with the SSG Landers in Korea.

There, his stuff and strikeout ability took off:

Those numbers aren’t just solid—they show a pitcher missing bats and learning how to limit damage. The improved command in 2025, especially, is what pushed teams like Detroit to see him as more than just depth.

Comparisons to Cody Ponce and Market Context

Anderson’s recent success has drawn comparisons to Cody Ponce, another pitcher who revived his career abroad and landed a significant MLB deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Some evaluators still see Ponce as the better overall prospect, but Anderson’s metrics overseas put him in the conversation.

Unlike Ponce, Anderson didn’t get a big, multi-year guarantee. That made him an appealing value play for a Tigers team looking to upgrade pitching without fully committing major dollars or roster space.

A Smart Fit for Detroit’s Roster Construction

One advantage for the Tigers: Anderson’s deal doesn’t immediately force a 40-man roster move. In an era where roster flexibility matters, adding rotation help without designating someone for assignment gives Detroit more breathing room as the offseason unfolds.

Where Anderson Fits in the Tigers’ Rotation Picture

The Tigers’ rotation currently revolves around Tarik Skubal, who’s become one of the premier left-handed starters in the American League. Behind him, roles are much less defined, and the club is open about seeking reinforcements.

Anderson will enter camp expected to fight for the fifth starter spot. He’ll likely compete with younger arms and holdover depth options.

His edge comes from his recent track record as a full-time starter in Korea. He handled workloads and lineups with efficiency and swing-and-miss stuff.

Impact of Potential Free Agent Additions

Detroit has been linked to higher-profile free agents, including Zac Gallen and Michael King. If the Tigers land one of those arms, Anderson’s role might shift from rotation favorite to swingman or next-man-up depth starter.

If they miss on those bigger targets, Anderson could become a pivotal piece—an inexpensive veteran who fills that last rotation slot and gives the Tigers a chance to compete every fifth day without overexposing their younger pitchers.

Tigers’ Bet: Overseas Breakout Translates to MLB

Detroit’s taking a chance here. They’re hoping the Drew Anderson who found his groove in Japan and Korea is the one they’ll see in their uniform.

His strikeout numbers jumped, command sharpened, and he kept it up for more than just a hot streak overseas. That’s what’s fueling their optimism right now.

If Anderson brings even a slice of that performance back to MLB, the Tigers might’ve patched up a big hole in their rotation. It’s a low-risk move with some real upside, especially looking ahead to that 2027 club option.

 
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