We learned on Tuesday that the Detroit Tigers are interested in free agent pitcher Seth Lugo, and we now know what Lugo is looking for.
The following is from MLBTradeRumors, with the original subscriber link included:
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, while the Tigers are interested in Lugo, they prefer him on a one-year contract. According to the report, Lugo is looking for a three-year contract this winter.
On all levels, this makes sense. Because he is 34 years old, the Tigers clearly like Lugo on a one-year deal. Keeping a player of that age on a one-year contract gives them financial flexibility now and in the future. Of course, Lugo wants a multi-year contract because this could be his only chance at a serious free agent deal. He wants to make the most of it.
Perhaps there’s a compromise in there for a two-year deal with a third-year option. That could be a good way to please everyone.
In general, the Tigers are desperate for starting pitchers.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the team’s ace pitcher signed before the 2022 season, has opted out of his contract and is now a free agent. Furthermore, the Tigers’ rotation has been plagued by injuries over the last few years. The young core of Casey Mize, Matt Manning, and Tarik Skubal hasn’t been playing well together, so bringing in some veteran reinforcements could help the group find some stability.
Mize is recovering from Tommy John surgery and should be ready to pitch in 2024, but he hasn’t pitched since early 2022.
In his career with the Padres and Mets, Lugo has pitched as both a starter and a reliever. He’s 40-31 with a 3.50 ERA in his career. In 2023, he had a total of 3.57 for San Diego. The right-handed pitcher made his debut in 2016 and is known for his excellent curveball.
The Tigers finished second in the American League Central in 2023 and hope to improve even more in 2024.
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