The Detroit Tigers are actively pursuing options to strengthen their starting rotation for the upcoming 2027 season.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, the organization has expressed interest in signing free-agent left-hander Shota Imanaga.
The 33-year-old pitcher spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Cubs and earned an All-Star selection during his 2024 rookie campaign.
The pursuit of additional pitching depth follows a 2026 season where Detroit finished with a 76-86 record and saw significant changes to its roster.
The team previously traded away established arms such as Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, while veteran Jack Flaherty also reached free agency, as noted by MLB.com.
President of baseball operations Scott Harris is prioritizing rotation stability, and the team has also identified Michael King as a potential target, according to Detroit Sports Nation.
Imanaga recorded an 11-10 record with a 3.77 ERA and 174 strikeouts over 174 1/3 innings during the 2026 season.
While he surrendered a career-high 35 home runs, his ability to generate swings and misses with his splitter remains a key asset.
Hitters batted just .195 against that specific pitch throughout the year, as reported by Yardbarker.
The Tigers are currently relying on Framber Valdez as the most experienced member of their rotation.
Adding a veteran such as Imanaga could provide necessary flexibility while the club monitors the workloads of younger pitchers like Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton.
The team has already begun examining the need for greater rotation depth, per Detroit Sports Nation.
While there is no confirmed agreement between the parties, the interest from Detroit signals a clear intent to remain competitive in the coming year.