Walker Buehler

*This is a prediction*

The Detroit Tigers should be looking to beef up their pitching staff, and Walker Buehler could be a solid way to do that. While Buehler could end up on a number of different teams, let’s break down why the Tigers could make sense.

As for why the Tigers would need to beef up their pitching staff, it’s because of the possibility of Tarik Skubal leaving. Skubal becomes a free agent in 2027, and it seems like there’s a good chance that Detroit won’t be able to bring him back.

With how good Skubal has been, he’s going to command a massive deal in free agency. When you have to go up against teams like the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers in terms of money, it’s not a spot you want to be in.

With that being the case, let’s explore why Buehler to the Tigers could be a good fit. 

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Walker Buehler Joining Detroit Tigers in MLB Free Agency

The reason that Buehler could land on a number of different teams is because of how his career has gone. At 31 years old, Buehler isn’t the same player he was back in 2021.

Buehler was fantastic from 2018 to 2021, but since then, things haven’t gone quite as well. Just this last year, Buehler pitched in 26 games in which he had a 10-7 record, zero WAR, and 4.93 ERA.

On the year Buehler had a Pitching Run Value of -13 (13th percentile), Fastball Run Value of -4 (21st percentile), Breaking Run Value of -6 (10th percentile), and Offspeed Run Value of -2 (33rd percentile) per Baseball Savant. 

While the numbers aren’t exactly in Buehler’s favor, he hasn’t been awful in terms of production. There’s absolutely a lot of risk, but at the same time, Buehler is a veteran pitcher who has put together some elite seasons in his MLB career. 

How Walker Buehler Fits in Detroit 

Right now, the Tigers’ third, fourth, and fifth projected starters are all under 30 years old per Fangraphs. For a team that should be contending in 2026 after winning 87 games last year, they could absolutely use more of a veteran presence. 

With that being said, the Tigers do already have a strong rotation. The idea here is to give Buehler a chance when it makes sense and see if he can turn things around for 2026.

Then, if that’s the case, Buehler could be part of the Tigers’ plan to help maintain their strong rotation if Skubal leaves. The case for wanting to bet on Buehler is that in 13.2 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies, he had 0.8 WAR, .66 ERA, and a 3-0 record.

That’s not the only place that could make sense for Buehler, though. If he wants more of a role, the Washington Nationals could be an ideal spot for him instead of Detroit.

Walker Buehler Contract

As briefly touched on above, it’s hard to see Buehler landing anything other than a one-year deal for a low amount of money. Buehler has simply not done enough over a long period of time to earn a big deal.

This next contract would be a prove-it deal before Buehler looks to sign a bigger contract, in which would likely be the end of his MLB career. 

It’s tough to say the Detroit Tigers absolutely need to sign Walker Buehler, but if they’re able to get him with little risk on that contract, it would make a lot of sense for Detroit.