Star pitcher's rough season could wind up benefiting the Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have come out and played great this season. They are looking to wrap up this season on a high and capture their first division title in over a decade. 

However, the front office is also thinking about the future and is busy overseeing its roster and the soon-to-be free agents. This year's class is loaded with players like Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Schwarber, all looking for new contracts. 

Detroit is expected to be in the mix for potentially signing Bregman. He would be a great addition to the team, but the club has also been linked to a former All-Star pitcher who is having a rough stretch this year. 

Zac Gallen was nearly unhittable during the 2023 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That year, he went 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA across 210 innings of work. 

This season, he holds a 12-14 record with a 4.73 ERA across 180.2 innings. It is definitely a down year, but the talent is still there. Sports Illustrated's Michael Brauner points out that he could be the perfect fit for the Tigers. 

"For one, if Gallen is looking to take a short-term prove-it type deal, that would be the kind of thing Detroit has been and will continue to be all over. A one-year agreement to get him into the fold, hopefully fix the issues, and have a great year before cashing in would certainly be mutually beneficial."

Gallen could look at taking a one-year deal to prove to them the 2025 season was a fluke. These are the type of deals Detroit is all about, and the two could benefit each other greatly.