Detroit Tigers: 5 free agents to target this offseason

The Detroit Tigers may be able to get a steal with starter Steven Matz.

The reality of the Detroit Tigers going out and signing a huge impactful starter is highly unlikely. But, if they want to pursue a mid-range option who will add to the rotation, Steven Matz is surely someone to consider.

Matz is a seven-year veteran of the big leagues, spending six seasons with the New York Mets and then spending the 2021 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He went on to log 150.2 innings for the Blue Jays this past season with a 14-7 record, a 3.82 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and 144 strikeouts.

He’s an efficient starting pitcher and has been a little misunderstood. Many have viewed Matz as a back-of-the-rotation addition, but Matz could easily be a number two and provide quality starts for the Tigers. He may not be used in that capacity if signed, but Matz is a great value player to target.

The right-hander is quick to get outs, works efficiently, and finds ways to keep runs off the board. His 2021 season was a big bounce back from the 2020 season where he struggled. If the Jays are not going to try and bring him back again for the 2022 season, the Tigers should go out and try to grab Matz.

Given the Tigers roster, Matz would likely end up back into the three or four spot of the rotation, but that’s okay. He’s a valuable option the Tigers should be looking at this offseason.