President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris and manager A.J. Hinch have been open about Detroit’s need to continue strengthening its pitching corps, both for the immediate major league staff and the long-term farm system. While fans might expect headlines involving proven free agents or trade acquisitions, the Tigers’ front office has historically preferred to move deliberately, setting a foundation before making splashier moves later in the winter.
That approach held true as the team quietly made its first official move of the offseason, a signing that speaks volumes about where their priorities lie.
Tigers Sign Venezuelan Pitcher Sammy Zarraga
Detroit officially began its offseason roster activity by inking 20-year-old Venezuelan right-hander Sammy Zarraga to a minor league contract. The move, first reported by Motor City Bengals, marks the organization’s opening transaction of the 2025-26 offseason and underscores its continued focus on international scouting and player development.
Zarraga, who trained with the Cardenales and Dream Team academies in Venezuela, is a projectable young arm standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 175 pounds. He’s considered a long-term prospect rather than a near-ready contributor. The Tigers’ player development staff will focus on refining his mechanics, improving command, and expanding his pitch mix–key elements for any young hurler hoping to climb the professional ladder.
For Detroit, this type of move is about creating opportunities. A minor-league signing like Zarraga’s involves minimal financial risk, but offers potentially significant upside. If he progresses well, he could become part of the organization’s next wave of homegrown pitching–the kind of depth that sustains long-term success.
Building Depth the Detroit Way
This signing is emblematic of how the Tigers have approached team-building in recent seasons. Rather than chasing quick fixes, they’ve emphasized sustainable growth through scouting, drafting, and international development.
The Tigers know that depth is key–championship teams don’t just rely on five starters, but on the next ten arms waiting behind them. Building that pipeline requires identifying talent early, developing it patiently, and allowing prospects to mature at their own pace.
Because Zarraga is still largely untested at the professional level, much of his appeal lies in projection. Scouts cite a live arm, smooth delivery, and a competitive edge that fits Detroit’s player profile. The Tigers’ staff will work to help him gain consistency with his secondary pitches–particularly his breaking ball, and sharpen his control against advanced hitters.
If Zarraga develops as hoped, he could eventually profile as either a mid-rotation starter or a power reliever. For now, his focus will be on building innings and adjusting to the rhythm of the professional game. Whether that journey begins in the Florida Complex League or Low-A Lakeland, it’s an opportunity that aligns with Detroit’s broader vision: identify young international arms early and shape them into contributors through the team’s developmental structure.
The Unsettled Future of Detroit’s Ace
While the signing of a young Venezuelan pitcher signals future-focused depth work for the Detroit Tigers, the present remains anchored by their ace left-hander Tarik Skubal. Coming off back-to-back elite campaigns, Skubal has become one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, yet his future in Detroit is anything but guaranteed. Skubal and the Tigers are far apart on a long-term extension, and the club may seriously entertain offers this offseason rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Skubal’s value is immense. With his spectacular 2024 season, which featured a pitching Triple Crown and a unanimous AL Cy Young award, and dominate 2025 season with another Cy Young nomination, he represents a generational arm. But that pedigree now poses a challenge for Detroit’s front office. Skubal is due to hit free agency after the 2026 season, and the Tigers reportedly face a gap of nearly $250 million in contract expectations.
Should Detroit decide to explore trade options, potential suitors abound. One bold prediction places Skubal in the fold of the New York Mets–a franchise with both the capital and the need for a top-of-the-rotation arm. The Mets’ prospect depth could entice Detroit into a deal that replenishes their long-term pipeline while acknowledging the realistic timeline of their window. For Tigers fans, it’s a difficult but necessary question: Does Detroit build now around Skubal, or cash in while his peak value remains intact?
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