The Detroit Tigers are positioning themselves for a major pitching acquisition this season, aiming to strengthen their rotation with a deal involving a former Cy Young Award winner. After a modest offseason that included signing veterans Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, the Tigers seem poised for a significant move to solidify their status as one of the top American League contenders.
Detroit’s pitching staff currently boasts Valdez and left-hander Tarik Skubal as frontline starters, forming one of the best one-two combinations in the league. However, the team has yet to finalize a long-term contract with Skubal, who recently won an arbitration case entitling him to $32 million in 2026, well above the club’s initial offer of $19 million. With questions surrounding Skubal’s future, the Tigers are anticipated to pursue additional pitching depth to enhance their postseason chances under manager A.J. Hinch.
Expected Trade Target: Sandy Alcantara Could Join Tigers’ Rotation
The Miami Marlins, active sellers this offseason, have traded pitchers Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, clearing the way for potential moves involving their prized right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, remains a highly sought-after asset, and Detroit is predicted to engage in trade talks for him.
“After months of speculation that the Tigers might consider trading away Tarik Skubal, they could instead end up with a postseason rotation of Skubal, Alcantara, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander/Jack Flaherty,”
wrote Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report.
“Even looking beyond this upcoming October and assuming Skubal signs elsewhere for a preposterous sum of money next winter, trading for Alcantara would put at least the top of the Tigers’ rotation in pretty great shape for 2027,”
Miller added.
Given that Skubal’s long-term future with Detroit is unclear, acquiring Alcantara would provide the Tigers a critical top-tier arm to pair with Valdez. Alcantara is owed $17 million for 2026 and carries a $21 million club option for 2027, providing some financial predictability for the Tigers’ front office.
What a Fully Healthy Alcantara Could Mean for Detroit
Alcantara missed the entire 2024 season recovering from surgery but made a return in 2025, showing improvement over the year despite posting a modest 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA across 31 starts. He pitched 174.2 innings, struck out 142 batters, and maintained a 1.27 WHIP during his comeback season.
The 30-year-old’s standout 2022 campaign, with a 14-9 record, 2.28 ERA, and 207 strikeouts in 228.2 innings, highlighted his potential dominance when fully healthy. While a repeat of that peak performance is uncertain, Alcantara still possesses the talent to lead a strong rotation on a playoff-contending team.
Miami faces a decision: hold onto Alcantara as they compete or trade him if playoff prospects diminish. The Marlins narrowly missed the postseason in 2025 by four games, and their past approach favors trading key players during their prime. This increases the likelihood that Alcantara could be dealt, especially if the Tigers aim to strengthen their rotation before the 2026 postseason push.
Acquiring Alcantara would not only boost Detroit’s immediate postseason prospects but also address longer-term rotation needs if Skubal departs in free agency. This prospective trade represents a pivotal opportunity for the Tigers to become a formidable force in the American League for years to come.
