BREAKING NEWS: Tigers officail are reported in talks with versatile pitcher free agent after after missing out on Lance Lynn

As MLB free agency continues, the Detroit Tigers are reportedly interested in veteran and versatile pitcher Seth Lugo.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Detroit Tigers were interested in Lance Lynn before the veteran starting pitcher agreed to terms with the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. Morosi also reports that the Tigers are interested in Seth Lugo as they continue to monitor the MLB free agent pitching market.

The Tigers appear to believe they will be able to compete in the AL Central in 2024. The AL Central was the worst division in baseball during the 2023 season, so Detroit appears to be planning an aggressive approach to free agency.

Lugo, 34, has previously worked in both relief and starting roles. He made 26 starts for the San Diego Padres in 2023. However, Lugo did not make a single start for the New York Mets in 2022, instead working 62 games out of the bullpen. Teams interested in Lugo may have various plans for him.

However, it appears that the Tigers would prefer Lugo to join the starting rotation.

Will the Tigers be able to compete in 2024?

The Tigers are far from a finished product. To begin the offseason, Detroit acquired outfielder Mark Canha in a trade, but they still have work to do. The Tigers would be in an interesting position if they could develop a competitive starting rotation.

The Minnesota Twins won the AL Central in 2023 despite facing little competition. Minnesota battled the Cleveland Guardians early in the season, but Cleveland faltered in the second half.
The Guardians could return in 2024, but there’s also a chance Cleveland trades stars like Shane Bieber. Meanwhile, both the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals are rebuilding. That leaves Minnesota and possibly Cleveland as Detroit’s main rivals in 2024.

The Tigers’ offseason moves will have a significant impact on how well they perform this season. Signing veteran depth players like Seth Lugo can help Detroit improve its roster. It would also not be surprising if the Tigers attempted to sign a superstar or two.