'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly looking to bolster their starting pitching rotation ahead of the 2026 season. The candidate they are targetting to do so, however, isn't who most would expect in that role.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Cody Stavenhagen and Katie Woo, Detroit is in talks with closer Ryan Helsley, aiming to sign him and eventually convert him into a starter. In an article they published on Sunday, the trio analyzed the potential move.
"Ryan Helsley, starting pitcher? The Detroit Tigers are among the clubs talking to the free-agent right-hander about becoming a starter, according to people familiar with his market.
Trending
"As a starter, the seven-year veteran would need to expand his repertoire. Helsley threw more than 90 percent sliders and four-seamers with the Cardinals and New York Mets last season, but added a cutter in the spring and also has a curveball," Rosenthal and company wrote.
Helsley has enjoyed plenty of success as a reliever so far, earning two All-Star selections and the NL Reliever of the Year award in 2024. The 2025 season saw him struggle, however, as he finished with a 4.50 ERA.
The future of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal continues to be shrouded in uncertainty
Though the potential addition of Ryan Helsley this offseason could add plenty of quality to Detroit's pitching rotation, it is not an exaggeration to state the Tigers' most effective weapon is the Tarik Skubal trump card they hold.
Skubal enjoyed an incredible season in 2025, finishing with a 13-6 record, a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts. As a result, the southpaw took home the AL Cy Young award for the second consecutive season.
Despite this, however, there is still a possibility of the Detroit Tigers deciding to trade their ace this winter. With Skubal set to be a free agent this time next year, negotiations for a potential extension have reportedly reached a dead end. As a result, Detroit might decide to cash in while it still can.
Skubal has done his best to distance himself from any rumors linking him with a move away from Comerica Park. But while his future in Detroit remains shrouded in uncertainty, he continues to be on the radar of several big-market teams.
