Buckle up, Tigers fans—this offseason could redefine Detroit's roster as they chase that elusive World Series trophy after back-to-back AL Division Series exits! In a bold move to strengthen their lineup and pitching staff, the Tigers have already secured second baseman Gleyber Torres by having him accept his qualifying offer, locking in a reliable presence at second base. They've also bolstered their bullpen with three new pitchers, including closers Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan, setting up a formidable back end for those high-stakes games. But while these additions are exciting, the real intrigue lies with the team's own free agents hitting the market. With seven players up for grabs as January approaches, there's always a chance one or more could circle back to Motown. Let's dive into a ranking of which remaining Tigers free agents are most likely to return, starting from the least probable and moving to the most promising. We'll break down the reasons for each, keeping it straightforward so even casual fans can follow along—think of it as a friendly scouting report on potential reunions.
And this is the part most people miss: while the Tigers are signing big names, their homegrown talent could tip the scales in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial—some fans argue that revisiting past disappointments might just be a recipe for more heartbreak, while others see untapped potential worth the gamble. We'll explore that tension as we go.
Starting with the Least Likely to Most Likely Tigers Free Agents to Return:
Alex Cobb: Last year's gamble on Cobb turned into a major letdown for the Tigers, and it's hard to imagine them doubling down on that mistake. His performance was arguably the biggest flop of their offseason signings, failing to deliver the innings and stability they hoped for. With better options available, Detroit is likely steering clear—no need to relive that disappointment.
Dugan Darnell: Darnell barely makes this list, as the Tigers only added him via waivers in November before quickly designating him for assignment. This right-handed reliever has just nine MLB appearances under his belt, and the team has been aggressively pursuing other bullpen depth, making a reunion feel improbable. It's a quick cameo in Tigers history that probably ends here.
Paul Sewald: As a veteran reliever brought in late last season, Sewald's stint was cut short by injury after just four games. His ERAs have hovered at or above 4.00 for the last two years, and with the new bullpen reinforcements like Jansen and Finnegan, the Tigers have plenty of coverage now. Bringing him back would be a risky bet on health and form that they might not want to take.
Andy Ibáñez: This utility infielder is solid but lacks much power in his bat, so the Tigers are probably shifting focus to in-house options or free agents. They have Zach McKinstry ready to step in, especially if they lock down third base through other deals. Ibáñez is versatile, but Detroit seems geared toward younger, more dynamic internal talent to fill those flexible roles.
Tommy Kahnle: The experienced reliever struggled to perform for Detroit, finishing with a 1-5 record and a 4.43 ERA across 66 appearances, particularly faltering in the late season. With Finnegan and Jansen handling the eighth and ninth innings, plus holdover Will Vest in the mix, the bullpen is now well-fortified. Kahnle's services aren't essential anymore, and the Tigers likely have their sights set elsewhere for any remaining high-leverage spots.
Chris Paddack: It's a bit surprising the Tigers haven't shown more interest in re-signing him, given his ability to chew through innings and provide depth to the rotation. However, his 5-13 record and 5.35 ERA in 33 games last year weren't impressive, and the open market offers plenty of starter alternatives for Detroit to explore. Paddack could be a low-cost option, but with so many choices, he might not be the priority—though some argue his endurance makes him a smart, underrated pick for a team building for the long haul.
Rafael Montero: Here's where things get interesting—Montero doesn't seem to have a huge demand elsewhere, which could work in Detroit's favor. He bounced around three teams last season, but his time with the Tigers was standout: 1-1 with a 2.86 ERA in 20 games. If the team wants to add one more setup option to the bullpen, Montero fits the bill perfectly as a reliable, low-risk arm. This could spark debate among fans—would you rather invest in a proven veteran closer or build around guys like Montero who showed promise in a Tigers uniform?
José Urquidy: The Tigers took a chance on Urquidy post-Tommy John surgery, but he only managed two appearances before the season ended. That small sample doesn't reflect his true potential; back in 2022 with Houston, he was a solid 13-8 with a 3.94 ERA. Bringing him back on a minor-league deal to compete for the No. 5 starter spot? It's not far-fetched at all. With zero risk and minimal cost, Urquidy tops this list as the most probable return—he's a classic high-upside, low-downside project player that could pay off big in a rotation hungry for depth. But here's the controversy: is betting on a recovering pitcher the bold strategy Detroit needs, or should they avoid injury-prone gambles altogether?
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