The Detroit Tigers are dipping their toes into the free-agent pool, agreeing to a one-year deal with right-hander Drew Anderson–a pitcher whose journey back to MLB has been long, winding, and full of uncertainty.
The deal reportedly includes a club option for 2027, and while the salary hasn’t been publicly disclosed, the expectation is that Anderson will compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training.
From MLB Struggles to Korean Resurgence
Anderson last pitched in the majors in 2021, after stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago White Sox, and the Texas Rangers. Across parts of five seasons, he logged 44.1 innings and posted an earned run average (ERA) north of 6.50.
After being unable to stick in the majors, Anderson opted to take his talents abroad, signing with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Japan’s NPB, and later with the SSG Landers in South Korea’s KBO.
It was in the KBO where Anderson’s career got new life. In 2025, he threw 171 2/3 innings over 30 starts, posting a 2.25 ERA, a 35.3% strikeout rate, a 7.3% walk rate, and a 45.9% ground-ball rate.
Those numbers helped convince Detroit to give him another shot; this time back in the majors, and this time with the potential to compete as a starting pitcher.
According to Ken Rosenthal, “Anderson was at Triple A with the Tigers for part of the 2024 season. Pitched only 14 innings in April before leaving for Korea’s SSG Landers.”
What Detroit Is Getting – And What They’re Gambling On
From Detroit’s perspective, signing Anderson isn’t about landing a frontline ace. Rather, it’s a relatively low-risk move to add pitching depth and perhaps uncover a sleeper piece for the back end of the rotation or bullpen. With a 40-man roster slot open, it didn’t cost them a trade or a top-of-the-rotation type contract.
That said, the Tigers know this is far from a guaranteed success. Anderson’s promising stats from the KBO don’t necessarily translate to MLB performance. The jump in competition level, differences in pitching style, and the ability to repeat effective stuff under MLB pressure are all big questions.
To be fair, players have remade their careers overseas before. Names like Merrill Kelly, Erick Fedde, and Chris Flexen come to mind–pitchers who used success in KBO or NPB to spring back into MLB usefulness.
But those are the exceptions, not the rule. In Anderson’s case, it’s a high-upside, moderate-risk gamble. If it works, good for Detroit. If not, the downside is limited.
Looking at Detroit’s Rotation Picture
Assuming he makes the Opening Day roster, Anderson is likely to be fighting for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The top of the rotation will be anchored by the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, with arms like Casey Mize, Troy Melton, and Jack Flaherty behind him.
Detroit’s interest in Anderson comes within a broader offseason strategy of evaluating multiple pitching upgrades. The Tigers were also believed to be in the mix for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, exploring the possibility of adding a proven late-inning arm to complement their young staff.
While those discussions didn’t materialize into an agreement, the pursuit signaled Detroit’s intent to be active and opportunistic. Turning to Anderson represents a different kind of investment; one focused on upside, depth, and the potential to unlock value through development.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Detroit Looks Overseas for Answers, Signs Breakout KBO Arm appeared first on Heavy Sports.