Tigers' starting rotation boasts intriguing upside and high risk

For a majority of the offseason, people were wondering where Framber Valdez might end up. He took his time during his free agency period and decided to sign a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. 

He should pair nicely behind Tarik Skubal. That is going to be two tough left-handed pitchers for opposing teams to get through. 

After them, it will be on Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Justin Verlander to look the part. And while Skubal and Valdez should perform well this year, some are not too sure how the others will do. 

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Tigers' starting rotation boasts intriguing upside and high risk

There is no denying that Justin Verlander has taken a step back. He entered his age-43 season, and there is not a whole lot left in the tank there. 

On top of that, Jack Flaherty struggled last year. Across 31 starts, he put together an 8-15 record with a 4.64 ERA.

However, Casey Mize did look the part last year, and the club is hoping he can continue that this year. It was a career year for the RHP, starting 28 games, compiling a 14-6 record with a 3.87 ERA.

These three could make or break the club this season. Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly questions just how well they will perform.

"Can 43-year-old Justin Verlander replicate a strong second half in 2025 that saw him post a 2.99 ERA? Will Casey Mize be more like the All-Star pitcher he was in the first half of last season, as opposed to the guy who had a 4.92 ERA following the Midsummer Classic? Is Jack Flaherty able to pitch closer to the 3.85 FIP he had last season, as opposed to the 4.64 ERA?"

There are a lot of questions here, and fans will want to keep a close eye on how these three look early into the season.

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