Not only have they shown us this in the playoffs, but on paper, a rotation of Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olsen, and Troy Melton is not enough. Injuries have plagued several of these names, and the Tigers are not in a position to hope younger pitchers can simply fill in. Now, there’s too much at stake.
Let’s say the Tigers sign Helsley and make him a starter. For Helsley, the move to the rotation would open the doors to longer and more lucrative contracts in the future. At 31 years old, he likely has one big payday left if he were to succeed as a starter.
So, knowing that, the idea of him accepting a one-year deal (maybe with options), making the transition to the rotation, and hitting the open market next season, could seem attractive.
For the Tigers, this could be the perfect maneuver to land the arm they want while not having to give the extra years it would take if he were to remain a relief pitcher. They have now manipulated his market into a shorter-term deal, giving them flexibility in the future.
Okay, that’s step one. Step two? His move back to the bullpen.
The Tigers could try the starter thing out and use that angle as a way to get Helsley to join the club. If it works out, great! If it doesn’t? They move him back to the bullpen, where they also have a need, and allow him to once again be a high-leverage arm, all while avoiding a long-term deal.