Although the 2025 MLB All-Star break is still in effect, Detroit Tigers fans are already looking forward to the resumption of the regular season. Despite entering the pause on a four-game losing streak, the Tigers are still set up to be World Series contenders in the campaign's second half, currently boasting an MLB-best 59 victories.
With their eyes on what would be the Motor City's first title in 41 years, the Tigers will likely be looking to add some reinforcements before the July 31 trade deadline. While the trade market is a quick way to bolster manager A.J. Hinch's lineup, Detroit could also target some of the available free agents — including a former All-Star reliever aiming to make his 2025 debut.
Tigers Must Kick Tires on Former All-Star RHP David Robertson
Veteran right-handed pitcher David Robertson is one player who's yet to play an inning in 2025. The 2009 World Series winner has been a free agent after pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2024; however, his unemployed status might not last much longer.
"Robertson, a free agent since the end of last season, is throwing for interested clubs," The Athletic's Will Sammon reported on Tuesday. "Multiple teams expect to attend one of his throwing sessions within the next week."
Sammon named the New York Mets and New York Yankees as two of the interested parties, with more unnamed clubs in the mix. Whether or not the Tigers have already kicked the tires for his services, signing Robertson is a move they must explore in the coming days. Detroit's bullpen ERA currently ranks 10th-worst in the Majors (4.13), highlighting the need for an experienced arm like the 40-year-old's.
A 17th-round pick by the Yankees in 2006, Robertson has pitched 16 seasons in the big league, making all but one of his 861 appearances out of the bullpen. He went 66-46 with a 2.91 ERA and 177 saves during that stretch, all while striking out 1,154 batters with 357 walks issued across 876 2/3 innings. That's without mentioning his perfect 6-0 record with a 3.04 ERA in 42 postseason outings.
Although his best days are behind him and his lone All-Star nod happened when Tarik Skubal was 14 years old, Robertson would be a solid addition to the Tigers' bullpen. He was actually fairly solid in his 68 appearances with the Rangers last season, pitching to a 3.00 ERA while averaging 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
A potentially low-risk, high-reward signing, the Tigers must target Robertson before another World Series contender beats them to the punch.