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Detroit Tigers Eye Affordable Lefty Zach McKinley to Bolster 2024 Rotation

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. efty-zach-mckinley-to-bolster-2024-rotation.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 12:17 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Detroit Tigers’ Second Chance to Land a “Perfect Fit” Free Agent

In the cramped, cut‑throat world of the MLB free‑agent market, the Tigers’ front office has been watching a particular left‑hander with a keen eye. The Detroit article “Tigers have second opportunity sign perfect affordable free‑agent fit” argues that the club has finally found the ideal player to plug a gap in its pitching staff—one who is effective, affordable and a natural fit for the organization’s needs.

1. Why the Tigers Need a Pitcher

Detroit’s 2023 campaign left its rotation and bullpen in need of fresh arms. The Tigers finished with a 76‑86 record, and the pitching charts reflected a lack of depth and consistency. The front office’s main objective for 2024 was to shore up the staff with a reliable left‑handed option who could either start or provide a high‑impact bullpen role.

The piece explains that the Tigers have three key criteria for a “perfect fit”:

1. Affordability – a player whose contract is within the Tigers’ projected cap space (roughly $7–8 million).
2. Versatility – an arm capable of starting games or filling a bullpen niche.
3. Proven Production – a track‑record that shows he can adjust to major‑league hitters.

The article notes that the Tigers’ front office has been balancing these criteria with roster constraints, which makes the choice difficult. They have one open spot on the 40‑man roster and an empty “budget slot” that can accommodate a mid‑level salary. The “second opportunity” the article mentions refers to a newly opened window in the free‑agent market, thanks to a late‑season trade that removed a comparable player from a rival club.

2. The Free‑Agent Candidate: Zach McKinley

The article centers on former Mets pitcher Zach McKinley, who had spent most of the 2023 season on the Mets’ disabled list and became a free agent in mid‑March. McKinley is highlighted as a perfect fit because:

• Left‑handed, High‑velocity – McKinley throws a mid‑90s fastball with a sharp change‑up and an effective slider that keeps right‑handers off‑balance.
• Triple‑A Experience – In 2023, he posted a 3.04 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 48 innings with the Syracuse Mets, a performance that demonstrates he can produce at a high level.
• Cap Flexibility – His projected contract is roughly $6.5 million for two years, fitting comfortably under the Tigers’ budget and leaving room for future acquisitions.

The article quotes Tigers GM Al Avila in a separate interview (linked within the piece) where he describes McKinley as “a player who is a high‑grade, low‑cost option.” He also points out that the Tigers’ current pitching staff is predominantly right‑handed, making a lefty like McKinley a valuable strategic asset.

3. Other Free‑Agent Options Considered

While McKinley is the featured candidate, the Tigers had a slate of other players on the radar:

• Brett Sullivan (Cubs) – A left‑hander with a 3.06 ERA in 2023, Sullivan’s projected contract ($7.4 million) is just outside the Tigers’ ideal range, but he would bring veteran experience.
• Matt Hall (Catcher) – The Tigers had an open spot on the roster for a catcher; Hall’s addition would bolster the depth at the position.
• Tyler Anderson (Angels) – A veteran starter who could be a bullpen piece; however, his contract ($8.2 million) is higher than the Tigers’ sweet spot.

The article points out that the Tigers’ “budget-conscious” approach made them lean toward McKinley rather than these pricier options.

4. Roster and Salary Cap Implications

The Tigers will need to navigate the 40‑man roster, the minor‑league options, and the collective bargaining agreement’s roster rules. The article explains that signing McKinley would fill a roster vacancy left by the release of outfielder Jonathan Schoop. This would avoid a “two‑team, two‑position” situation that could complicate the Tigers’ trade market.

Salary‑cap-wise, the Tigers have an “unallocated” $12.7 million in the cap. The article projects that a two‑year contract for McKinley would consume roughly 46 % of that space, leaving the Tigers with enough flexibility to pursue other pieces—especially in the outfield or at the catcher's position.

5. Timing and Execution

The article stresses that timing is critical. The free‑agent market is highly competitive, and the Tigers are up against teams like the Mets, the Rangers, and the Cubs, all of whom have their own lists of target pitchers. The Tigers have a limited window to reach a deal with McKinley—ideally by the deadline on March 30. The article highlights that the Tigers’ management is already in active negotiations, with a “draft‑style offer” on the table.

6. The Big Picture: A “Perfect Fit”

In its conclusion, the article argues that McKinley represents a “perfect fit” not only because of his on‑field skills but also because of his intangible fit with Detroit’s culture and budgetary realities. The Tigers’ management, represented by GM Al Avila and manager A.J. Hinch, have emphasized that the player must blend into the clubhouse and the long‑term strategic plan. McKinley’s professionalism, leadership, and willingness to play both in the rotation and bullpen align with this vision.

The piece ends by noting that the Tigers’ “second opportunity” is essentially a window that opens when the Mets lose a key player to injury. It’s a moment that can either cement the Tigers’ 2024 pitching prospects or result in a missed chance. Whether McKinley’s deal closes the day before or after the deadline, the Tigers’ front office is poised to secure a player who is affordable, versatile, and ideally suited to the Detroit game.

Key Takeaways

• The Tigers seek an affordable left‑handed pitcher who can help their 2024 pitching staff.
• Zach McKinley emerges as the front‑office’s top target, fitting the budget and roster profile.
• Other options (Brett Sullivan, Matt Hall, Tyler Anderson) were considered but fall outside the ideal cost or position needs.
• Signing McKinley would use a significant portion of the Tigers’ available cap space but leaves room for future acquisitions.
• Timing is critical; the Tigers aim to finalize a deal before the free‑agent deadline to secure a “perfect fit.”

In sum, the Tigers are positioned to capitalize on a fleeting chance in the free‑agent market, and the article paints a clear picture of why that particular pitcher—Zach McKinley—could be the missing piece that helps Detroit close the gap in its 2024 campaign.