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10 hours ago
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The Detroit Tigers are in store for a very important offseason. As the MLB season concludes this week, the 2026 MLB season starts with free agency opening up.
For the Tigers, they are in the thick of things in the rumor mill, but the team's biggest needs are another infielder (especially if Gleyber Torres doesn't re-sign) and another depth starter or two.
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Should the Tigers make Dylan Cease a contract offer?
In a recent predictions piece by The Athletic's Jim Bodwen, Dylan Cease's predicted contract value is six years, $187 million.
As for his suitors, it's unclear whether or not the San Diego Padres will make a real run at Cease, but front office executive AJ Preller has proven over the last few seasons to open up the checkbook for his star players.
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However, the Detroit Tigers should not be ruled out as a potential suitor. Bowden even indicates that the Tigers are a 'Best Fit' for Cease. Detroit should consider signing Cease on a 'prove it' deal for the same AAV, but less total value, that also includes opt-out clauses.
Pitching in Comerica Park would be favorable for Cease, who saw his ERA inflate to 4.55 this season. Although he walks nearly 4 batters per nine innings, he also recorded 215 strikeouts in 168 innings. He is also as durable as any starter in MLB in terms of taking the ball each fifth day.
Cease has essentially made the maximum amount of starts over the last five seasons. He's also struck out 200+ batters in five straight seasons. There's no doubt about Cease's arsenal, but it's just a matter of how front offices across MLB value his stuff, along with the fact that he's prone to walk batters and give up home runs.
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