Detroit Tigers: Predicting the 2020 Starting Rotation

The Tigers rotation is going to be rough, that is no secret after getting through the names above, but with some spot starts needed and the fifth spot up for grabs, there will be a battle between three pitchers.

After those five names, it gets scary for the Tigers rotation. With Fulmer’s return not set in stone, the Tigers will enter Spring Training searching for their fifth starter, who will most likely be a mix of players like Tyler Alexander, Zack Godley, or Dario Agrazal.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Now, Tyler Alexander was not terrible, but he was not anything special for the Tigers in the 2019 season, as a rookie being thrown into the rotation. Making eight starts, thirteen total appearances, Alexander earned a 1-3 record with a 4.86 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP, and forty-seven punchouts. The twenty-five-year-old has the best shot to make the Opening Day roster as the fifth starter as it stands now.

Now the Tigers made a signing this offseason, bringing in Zack Godley, formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays. Godley did not have an exciting 2019 at all, a 4-5 record, a 5.97 ERA, and a 1.50 WHIP all over thirty-three appearances between time with the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays.

Godley is on a minor-league contract, with a raise heading his way if he makes the team out of spring training. He is someone who can start as well as come out of the pen, so he has a good shot at joining the Tigers big league club if he has a strong spring, but Alexander will most likely edge him for the fifth starting spot.

Clueless GM Al Avila made a rogue trade before the Rule-5 Draft, where he acquired Dario Agrazal for cash considerations. Agrazal is no unique arm, but someone in the organization sees something, or Avila sees something, so the team pulled the trigger on the trade.

Agrazal started fourteen games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, making one relief appearance as well. He carried a 4-5 record with a 4.91 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP over 73.1 innings pitched. The way it seems, Agrazal will head to Triple-A to start the season and will be the injury replacement with the big league roster making spot starts when needed.