Tigers Earn 'A' Grade for Offseason Moves

Keeping Tarik Skubal, signing Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander bolster Detroit's pitching staff

Feb. 22, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Detroit Tigers entered the 2026 MLB offseason with the potential to have one of the worst in the league, but ESPN's David Schoenfield gave them an "A" grade, the best in MLB, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox. The reason was not only the additions of Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, but also the decision to keep Tarik Skubal, forming what could be the best starting rotation in baseball.

Why it matters

The Tigers' offseason moves have positioned them as serious AL Central favorites and World Series contenders, with a formidable starting rotation and improved bullpen. Keeping Tarik Skubal was a key decision that allowed them to build around a strong pitching staff.

The details

The Tigers' starting rotation now includes Skubal, Valdez, Verlander, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty, which is arguably the best in MLB. The one-two punch of Skubal and Valdez is particularly impressive, and if Verlander can have a vintage season, the Tigers will be in great shape. The bullpen has also improved with the return of Kyle Finnegan and the addition of Kenley Jansen.

  • The Tigers entered the 2026 MLB offseason.
  • The Tigers signed Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander late in the offseason.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A key starting pitcher for the Tigers who the team decided to keep this offseason.

Framber Valdez

A starting pitcher the Tigers signed this offseason to bolster their rotation.

Justin Verlander

A veteran starting pitcher the Tigers signed this offseason to further strengthen their rotation.

Casey Mize

A starting pitcher who is part of the Tigers' new-look rotation.

Jack Flaherty

A starting pitcher who is part of the Tigers' new-look rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The Tigers salvaged the offseason with the late signings of Valdez and Verlander, but their most important move was the one they didn't make: trading Tarik Skubal.”

— David Schoenfield, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Tigers will look to their revamped pitching staff to lead them to success in the 2026 season as they aim to contend for the AL Central title and a World Series championship.

The takeaway

The Tigers' offseason moves, highlighted by keeping Tarik Skubal and adding Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, have transformed their pitching staff into one of the best in baseball and positioned them as serious contenders in the AL Central and beyond.