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The Detroit Tigers may be looking to add another significant piece to their starting rotation this offseason. According to a recent report from MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers are among the teams showing interest in former Chicago Cubs All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga.
Imanaga, a 33-year-old left-hander, is currently a free agent after spending the past three seasons with the Cubs. He could offer valuable experience behind Framber Valdez in Detroit's rotation as the team aims to bounce back from a disappointing 76-86 season.
Detroit's Interest in Imanaga
Morosi reported on Friday that the Tigers are interested in the Japanese left-hander, along with other free-agent starting pitchers. This development is notable given the major changes Detroit's rotation underwent during the 2026 season.
The Tigers traded Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Casey Mize to the San Diego Padres, while veteran Jack Flaherty became a free agent. According to Marissa Myers of TWSN, Imanaga could help stabilize the rotation while Detroit continues to develop its younger pitchers. His experience and ability to handle a starter's workload make him an attractive option, especially with questions surrounding the innings limits of several young arms.
What Imanaga Brings to the Table
Imanaga made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2024 and quickly established himself as an effective starter, earning National League All-Star honors in his rookie season. Over his first three MLB campaigns, he posted a 3.45 ERA in 86 starts.
In the 2026 season, Imanaga went 11-10 with a 3.77 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts over 174 innings. However, he also surrendered a career-high 35 home runs, a concern for a pitcher who relies more on command than overpowering velocity.
One of Imanaga's biggest weapons is his splitter, which opponents struggled to handle throughout the season. According to the Yardbarker report, hitters batted just .195 in plate appearances ending with that pitch and missed on 41.4% of their swings against it. Detroit's spacious home ballpark could potentially help limit some of the home-run damage, though it would hardly eliminate the risk. Imanaga's ability to generate swings and misses while consistently throwing strikes is what makes him an intriguing candidate.
Scott Harris Faces Key Rotation Decisions
President of baseball operations Scott Harris has already made pitching a priority this offseason, and the reported interest in Imanaga suggests Detroit isn't finished exploring its options. The Tigers previously identified Michael King as another potential rotation target, highlighting the club's need for proven starting pitching.
Framber Valdez remains the most experienced member of Detroit's rotation, while Troy Melton is coming off an encouraging 2026 campaign. The Tigers also have Jackson Jobe, River Ryan, and Keider Montero among their younger pitching options, but relying exclusively on those arms would carry considerable risk. Detroit has already examined the need for additional rotation depth heading into the 2027 season.
Adding a veteran like Imanaga could provide Harris with greater flexibility while allowing the organization to manage the development and workloads of its younger starters. Of course, reported interest does not mean a deal is imminent, and there has been no confirmed agreement between the Tigers and Imanaga. But unlike a hypothetical free-agent fit, Morosi's report indicates Detroit has expressed genuine interest in the former All-Star. For Tigers fans hoping to see Harris aggressively improve the roster, this is certainly a name worth keeping an eye on.
Originally reported by yahoo.