Tigers still pursuing starting pitching during Winter Meetings

After the Detroit Tigers signed Mike Fiers to a one-year contract last week, many thought they were done building their starting rotation for 2018. With Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, and Jordan Zimmermann joining Fiers on the staff, Detroit already has an acceptable quintet of starters on their payroll. Add in a few young arms in the minors, and they already have some solid depth, even if the overall talent is lacking.

They aren’t done, apparently. General manager Al Avila told reporters that the team is still in the market for another starter on a one-year contract. That pitcher won’t be a franchise-changer, though.

As mentioned, there isn’t a glaring need in the starting rotation right now. Added depth is always helpful, but the Tigers might struggle to find someone with upside willing to sign without a guaranteed spot available. Either that, or Boyd or Norris will be out of a job come April.

While the Tigers haven’t given any inclination as to who they want — they were previously linked with Chris Tillman but haven’t followed up on that rumor — signing another starter may give us clues on who they want to take in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft. Starters Kohl Stewart and Jose Almonte are two of the top arms available, but the Tigers might be less inclined to take them if they’re already carrying six starters on the roster.