The Detroit Tigers have a very strong starting rotation, even after the season-ending injury to Jackson Jobe, who will undergo Tommy John surgery. But, even though the Tigers sit atop the standings and have good starters, they are still predicted to land an ace at the MLB trade deadline.
According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Tigers could be in the market for starting pitching. Not only could they target more depth, but they could also go after an ace.
"But especially after the Jobe news," Stavenhagen writes. "It's also worth wondering... what if they chased another frontline-type starter with the postseason in mind?"
The Tigers, with Tarik Skubal, Ryan Flaherty, and Casey Mize, have a strong 1-2-3 punch that can go toe-to-toe with any team's rotation in baseball. But in the postseason, teams will need a fourth starter.
After the Jobe news, and with Reese Olson on the injured list, the Tigers could use better back-end starters. But, at the same time, instead of just adding depth to the position, given how great the Tigers have been in 2025, why not add an ace instead?
Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara is one of those ace options for the Tigers. Merrill Kelly or Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks could also be options, and if the Tigers wanted to go for broke, they could offload a massive haul and attempt to land Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
Landing Skenes is likely out of the question, but the theory is what the Tigers should commit to. With a great roster from top to bottom, there isn't much the Tigers need to do to improve. But, adding an ace would go a long way, especially amid the unfortunate Jobe news.