Tigers Pursue Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito for Rotation Upgrade

The Detroit Tigers have made it clear this offseason: pitching is the priority. With several notable additions already in place and rumors swirling around two veteran starters, the Tigers are positioning themselves to stabilize both the present and future of their rotation.

This piece breaks down Detroit’s interest in Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito. It also looks at why the market is moving slowly and how financial realities could shape the club’s next move.

Tigers Focus on Pitching Depth This Offseason

Detroit entered the winter knowing it needed more reliability on the mound. The front office has acted accordingly.

The Tigers added veteran relievers Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan, bringing late-inning experience to a bullpen that needed stability. They also acquired starter Drew Anderson from Korea, showing a willingness to explore creative avenues for rotation help.

Despite those moves, the Tigers remain active in the free-agent starting pitcher market. Reports say Detroit has shown interest in right-handers Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito, two of the more intriguing mid-tier options still available.

A Slow Market for Top Starters

Detroit’s early connection to Bassitt and Giolito stands out because the pitching market has developed so slowly. Several high-profile starters remain unsigned, including Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen, and Framber Valdez.

Teams seem hesitant to commit big dollars and long-term deals. That’s left veterans like Bassitt and Giolito waiting for clarity.

Chris Bassitt: Consistency Over Flash

Bassitt, who turns 37 in February, doesn’t overpower hitters. Still, he keeps delivering value with durability and intelligence on the mound.

Over the past four seasons, he’s logged an impressive 723 innings, missing little time despite the physical demands of modern pitching.

Why Bassitt Appeals to Detroit

During that four-year span, Bassitt posted a 3.77 ERA with a 22.4% strikeout rate and a tidy 7.5% walk rate. His success comes from an expansive pitch mix and an ability to limit hard contact, rather than elite velocity.

MLB Trade Rumors projects him at two years, $38 million. That kind of deal would fit Detroit’s desire for short-term stability without blocking younger arms.

Lucas Giolito: Upside with Some Risk

Giolito presents a different profile. Now 31 and turning 32 in July, he offers more upside than Bassitt but also carries greater uncertainty.

After missing 2024, Giolito returned in 2025 to throw 145 innings with a 3.41 ERA. That’s a respectable showing that helped rebuild his value.

Health and Performance Questions

Statcast metrics painted a less flattering picture. Giolito also dealt with a brief flexor and elbow bone issue just before the playoffs.

Testing showed no new damage to his surgically repaired UCL. While he hasn’t rediscovered his dominant 2019–21 form, Giolito’s projected two years, $32 million contract reflects a calculated gamble on rebound potential.

How Bassitt or Giolito Fit the Tigers’ Rotation

Detroit views both pitchers as potential back-end rotation options. On paper, the 2026 rotation right now includes:

Internal depth like Troy Melton, Keider Montero, and Sawyer Gipson-Long provides flexibility. They could serve as Triple-A insurance, bullpen arms, or spot starters if needed.

Financial Factors Loom Large

Sure, the baseball fit looks logical, but money might end up making the call for Detroit. Skubal’s 2026 arbitration number floats somewhere between $19 million and $32 million.

The Tigers’ payroll sits at about $171.2 million. On top of that, they’re dealing with lost broadcasting revenue, which just makes things trickier.

Skubal, Flaherty, and Mize all hit free agency after 2026. If Detroit wants stability, they could lock someone up now—assuming the price doesn’t blow up their budget.

 
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