The Detroit Tigers are making a bold move that could reshape their starting rotation—and it’s sparking some serious debate among fans and analysts alike. The team has inked a deal with right-hander Drew Anderson, a pitcher who’s been on a rollercoaster journey from the majors to Asia and back. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player who once struggled in the big leagues truly transform into a reliable starter after a stint overseas? Let’s dive in.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Tigers and Anderson have agreed to a one-year contract with a club option for 2027. While the financial details remain under wraps, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports that the Tigers view Anderson as a starter—a role he’s embraced during his time in Korea. With a 40-man roster vacancy, the Tigers won’t need to make any corresponding moves, streamlining the process.
Anderson, who turns 32 in March, is no stranger to the majors. From 2017 to 2021, he bounced between the Phillies, White Sox, and Rangers, posting a less-than-stellar 6.50 ERA across 44 1/3 innings. But here’s the twist: After heading overseas in 2022, his career took a dramatic turn. In Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, he spent two seasons with the Hiroshima Carp, delivering a solid 3.05 ERA. This performance earned him a minor league deal with the Tigers in January 2024, though he didn’t crack the roster and instead headed to Korea.
In the Korea Baseball Organization, Anderson thrived. His first season with the SSG Landers saw him log 115 2/3 innings with a 3.89 ERA, striking out 31.9% of batters while inducing ground balls on 45.8% of balls in play. His 2025 campaign was even more impressive: 171 2/3 innings, a 2.25 ERA, a 35.3% strikeout rate, and a 45.9% ground ball rate. These numbers have the Tigers betting on his potential.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Anderson’s stats are impressive, they’re not far off from those of Cody Ponce, who just landed a three-year, $30MM deal with the Blue Jays. Ponce’s 36.2% strikeout rate and 1.89 ERA edge out Anderson’s, yet the Tigers are gambling on Anderson as a starter. Is this a savvy move or a risky overestimation? Industry experts are split. Eric Longenhagen and James Fegan of FanGraphs suggest Ponce is a clear #4 starter, while Anderson’s role remains uncertain—one analyst sees him as a back-end starter, while another predicts a bullpen future.
The Tigers’ rotation is already shaping up with Tarik Skubal at the helm, followed by Reese Olson, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty. Anderson will likely compete for the #5 spot in spring training against prospects like Keider Montero, Troy Melton, Ty Madden, and Sawyer Gipson-Long. And this is the part most people miss: Detroit has also been linked to free agents like Zac Gallen, Ranger Suárez, and Michael King, which could shake up the rotation before camp even begins.
As the Tigers take this leap of faith, the question lingers: Can Drew Anderson’s overseas success translate to MLB dominance? Or will his past struggles resurface? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this a smart gamble, or are the Tigers setting themselves up for disappointment?
