The Detroit Tigers’ starting rotation has been a key topic of conversation for several seasons. After a long stretch of rebuilding, the franchise is now looking to build a competitive team once again, and much of that ambition rides on the success of the starting pitchers. Expectations for the Tigers’ rotation heading into the 2025 season were mixed. While there was optimism surrounding a few pitchers, it was clear the rotation still had significant questions. However, the early signs suggest that Detroit’s pitching staff might be better than anticipated, offering hope for the future of the franchise.
The Tigers’ Starting Rotation Heading Into 2025
When we talk about the Tigers’ starting rotation, it’s important to note that a combination of veteran leadership, promising young arms, and emerging talents make up this group. Despite the challenges they have faced in recent years, the rotation is beginning to show more promise. Heading into the 2025 season, there are several reasons to believe that the Tigers’ starting pitchers might surprise even the most optimistic fans.
- Eduardo Rodríguez: A Bounce-Back Season in the Making
Perhaps the most significant storyline for the Tigers’ starting rotation is the potential bounce-back season of Eduardo Rodríguez. Acquired by Detroit in the offseason prior to the 2022 season, Rodríguez showed flashes of brilliance but was plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance in his first two seasons with the Tigers. However, he enters 2025 with a clean bill of health and a renewed sense of purpose.
Rodríguez has been one of the most consistent left-handed pitchers in recent years, even during his time with the Boston Red Sox. His fastball-slider combination, along with a deceptive changeup, has the potential to make him an anchor for the Tigers’ rotation. If he stays healthy, Rodríguez could be a frontline starter capable of eating innings and providing stability. The Tigers are hoping for an All-Star caliber season from him, which would be a massive boost to their rotation.
- Spencer Turnbull: A Veteran Returning from Injury
Another key figure in Detroit’s starting rotation is Spencer Turnbull, who has had his fair share of setbacks due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery. However, when Turnbull is healthy, he has shown the ability to be a dominant force on the mound. Before his injury, he was a strong performer for the Tigers, earning a no-hitter in 2021 and showcasing a solid fastball and slider combination.
As Turnbull works his way back to full strength in 2025, the Tigers are optimistic that he can regain his form. His return could be one of the most important developments for the Tigers’ rotation, providing another experienced arm that can contribute significantly over the course of the season. The key for Turnbull will be staying healthy, but if he can stay on the mound for the majority of the season, he’ll be a valuable asset for the Tigers.
- Matt Manning: A Young Arm with High Upside
One of the most intriguing pitchers in the Tigers’ rotation is Matt Manning, a former top prospect who has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully put it all together at the major league level. Manning has an electric fastball and a promising curveball, but he has struggled with command and consistency. However, at just 26 years old, there’s still significant upside for Manning to tap into.
In 2024, Manning took some positive steps forward, showing better command and effectiveness against big-league hitters. If Manning can continue to refine his control and develop his secondary pitches, he has the potential to be a key contributor for Detroit’s rotation. He’s still developing and might take a few more seasons to fully realize his potential, but 2025 could be the year he begins to put everything together.
- Tarik Skubal: A Developing Star on the Mound
Tarik Skubal is one of the Tigers’ most exciting young pitchers. Since making his debut in 2020, Skubal has developed into a top-tier arm with the potential to be a future ace. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he possesses an excellent slider and changeup that keep hitters off balance. In 2024, Skubal showed growth as he improved his command and struck out hitters at an impressive rate.
As one of the most promising young arms in the Tigers’ system, Skubal will likely be asked to take on an even larger role in 2025. There’s reason to believe that with more experience and continued development, he could emerge as a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter. He has the potential to be the centerpiece of Detroit’s pitching staff, and his progression in 2025 will be one of the most important storylines for the Tigers moving forward.
- Casey Mize: Still a Work in Progress
One of the Tigers’ most anticipated prospects in recent years, Casey Mize, has been a bit of a mystery. Mize has had a rollercoaster ride since being drafted first overall by the Tigers in 2018. He has dealt with injuries, including Tommy John surgery, and his performance has been uneven as he works to adjust to the major leagues. Nonetheless, Mize has the tools to be a strong starter, with a devastating splitter, excellent command, and a solid fastball.
In 2025, Mize will look to establish himself as a reliable option in the Tigers’ rotation. The key for him will be staying healthy and maintaining consistency. If Mize can remain on the mound and refine his pitches, he could form a strong tandem with Skubal and Rodríguez, giving the Tigers a formidable one-two-three punch in their starting rotation.
- Depth Options and Young Talent
Beyond the mainstays, the Tigers have some intriguing depth options in their starting rotation. Names like Beau Brieske and Joey Wentz may find themselves in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Brieske, in particular, has shown some flashes of promise with his sinker-slider combination, and Wentz has the ability to eat innings as a back-of-the-rotation option. The presence of these depth options provides additional flexibility for the Tigers, especially if injuries or performance issues arise.
Additionally, the Tigers’ farm system is still producing young pitchers, and there’s always the possibility that one or more of these prospects could surprise and earn a spot in the rotation down the line. With a combination of established veterans, young arms, and emerging talents, Detroit’s starting rotation has the potential to be much deeper than initially expected.
The Tigers’ Rotation Has a Chance to Be Competitive
On paper, the Tigers’ starting rotation could be one of the more underrated units in the American League. With Eduardo Rodríguez anchoring the staff, complemented by promising young pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning, and Casey Mize, Detroit has the makings of a strong rotation that can compete in the AL Central. If the pitching staff stays healthy and continues to develop, the Tigers could field a rotation that challenges for a postseason spot.
While there are still some unknowns, especially with players like Turnbull and Mize trying to prove they can stay healthy and consistent, there is reason to believe that Detroit’s starting rotation may surprise people in 2025. If the young pitchers can take another step forward and the veterans stay healthy, the Tigers could have one of the more underrated rotations in the league.
Improved Offensive Support Could Bolster the Rotation’s Success
For the starting rotation to truly thrive in 2025, Detroit’s offense will also need to take a step forward. Historically, the Tigers have struggled to score runs, which has often put pressure on their pitching staff. However, with a lineup featuring young talents like Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter, the Tigers’ offense is beginning to show signs of life. If the offense can consistently produce runs and give the pitching staff more run support, the Tigers’ starters will have an easier time controlling games and working through innings.
Moreover, a balanced team with solid defense and a respectable offense could give the starting pitchers more confidence and freedom to execute their game plans without worrying about constantly playing catch-up. The development of the offense in 2025 will be crucial to the success of the pitching staff.
