Five Free Agents Who Could Be Ideal Fits for the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers enter 2026 looking to build on a playoff campaign, and they still have holes to fill on their roster. While Detroit has been linked to veteran pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt this offseason (with Bassitt even predicted by some to land in Detroit), there are other notable free agents remaining who could address the Tigers’ needs.

Any additional spending also comes with a caveat, as the Tigers have yet to finalize their local television rights deal, a situation that has reportedly influenced the club’s financial flexibility.

Below we highlight five available players, three right-handed bats and two pitchers, who would be strong fits in Detroit, based on their 2025 performances, career track records, contract/injury situations, and how they’d slot into the Tigers’ 2026 plans.

2025 Performance & Career: Suárez is a power-hitting third baseman coming off a monster 2025 season in which he belted 49 home runs and 118 RBIs (matching his career highs) with an .824 OPS between Arizona and Seattle.

The 34-year-old earned his second All-Star selection last year, cementing his status as one of the premier power bats on the market. He’s also been exceptionally durable, he has missed only seven total games over the past three seasons.

Contract & Injuries: At this stage, Suárez is viewed as a more affordable alternative to the likes of Alex Bregman (who signed for $175 million) – Suárez likely won’t command a long-term mega-deal due to his age (35 in July 2026). A shorter contract (perhaps one or two years) is expected, making him a reasonable investment for a team like Detroit. Notably, Suárez has a clean bill of health recently; despite his age, he hasn’t had significant injury issues and his durability has been a selling point. One concern is his high strikeout rate (196 Ks in 2025) which comes with the territory of an all-or-nothing slugger, but teams in need of power may be willing to live with the whiffs.

Fit with Tigers in 2026: Third base was a revolving door for Detroit last season – the Tigers shuffled players like Zach McKinstry, Colt Keith, and Andy Ibáñez at the hot corner. Signing Suárez would instantly solidify that position. He ranked in the 89th percentile in barrel rate in 2025 (14.3% barrel%), meaning he consistently drives the ball with authority, something the Tigers’ middling offense sorely needs.

Detroit’s lineup lacked power outside of Riley Greene, finishing near the bottom of playoff teams in slugging (.413). Suárez’s right-handed pop would provide a much-needed jolt. His addition could lengthen a lineup that already features young hitters like Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Spencer Torkelson, instantly making the Tigers’ offense more formidable. Given that Detroit has made the playoffs two years in a row and is aiming to contend, Suárez fits the timeline as a win-now upgrade at a position of need – and as a bonus, it would be a homecoming for the player who debuted as a Tiger.

2025 Performance & Career: Bader is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, and in 2025 he paired that Gold Glove-caliber defense with a career-best offensive season. Between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, Bader played 146 games (a career high) and hit .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs and 11 steals. That was good for a 122 wRC+ and 3.2 WAR, indicating he was solidly above average with the bat to complement his elite glove. In fact, 2025 was the first year Bader truly broke out offensively, setting a personal high in homers (17) and upping his hard-hit rate to over 40%.

Defensively, he remained outstanding – he recorded +13 Defensive Runs Saved (7th-best among outfielders) and has accumulated +67 DRS (and +77 Outs Above Average) in the outfield since his debut in 2017. Bader, 32, has a Gold Glove on his résumé (with St. Louis in 2021) and is known for his energy and speed on the field.

Contract & Injuries: In the past, Bader’s main issue was health – he had multiple injured-list stints with the Cardinals and Yankees (dealing with ailments like plantar fasciitis and oblique strains). However, he finally stayed healthy in 2025 and played almost a full season. Teams in need of a center fielder will value his defense highly, and he’s likely seeking a 2–3 year contract. Projections have him around a two-year, $25–26 million deal, which reflects some caution about his inconsistent bat and injury history. It’s worth noting that some of Bader’s offensive gains last year might not be fully sustainable – for example, his batting average on balls in play was an unusually high .359, suggesting some luck. He also showed reverse platoon splits recently (performing oddly worse against left-handed pitching), which could be a consideration for a team like Detroit that is heavy on lefty hitters. Overall, though, Bader’s injuries seem to be behind him, and his elite defense and solid 2025 production have positioned him as a sought-after free agent center fielder.

Fit with Tigers in 2026: On paper, Bader addresses a major need for Detroit: center field defense and right-handed hitting. The Tigers got subpar production in center field last year after injuries affected Parker Meadows, who has showed promise defensively but hit poorly in 58 games. Bader could either take over in center, allowing Meadows to be a fourth outfielder, or at least form a strong platoon. His glove would instantly improve an outfield defense that also features Riley Greene in a corner (Greene is a good defender but could benefit from not having to cover center full-time if Bader is there). Bader’s speed and range in Comerica Park’s spacious center field would be a huge asset, and his presence would help offset the defensive limitations of players like Carpenter in the outfield.

Offensively, Bader’s right-handed bat would help balance a lineup that leans left-handed (Greene, Carpenter, Meadows, etc.). He has shown the ability to be a sparkplug – for the Phillies late in 2025, he hit .305 with an .824 OPS after the trade deadline, providing an “instant boost” to their offense. That kind of impact bat (even if more league-average over a full season) combined with top-tier defense is something the Tigers could definitely use. Bader might be a bit of a long shot for Detroit given that he’ll have multiple suitors, but if the Tigers are willing to invest in a two-year deal, he makes a lot of sense as a solution in center field.

2025 Performance & Career: Hays, 30, is a solid all-around corner outfielder coming off a productive season with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025 he slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs over 103 games. Those numbers aren’t flashy, but they amounted to an above-average batting line (105 wRC+). Notably, Hays absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching last year – he hit .319 with a .949 OPS against lefties (155 wRC+ vs LHP). Throughout his career (mostly spent with the Baltimore Orioles), Hays has shown flashes of being a very good hitter when healthy. He was an All-Star in 2023 with Baltimore, when he set a career high in hits and looked like a breakout player.

However, he struggled in 2024 and eventually found himself on a one-year deal with Cincinnati in 2025. The good news is that he rebounded nicely last season and showcased the traits – contact and gap power against lefties, solid defense – that made him a promising player. Defensively, Hays is capable in either corner outfield spot and has a decent arm. He might not be elite with the glove, but he’s reliable and athletic.

Contract & Injuries: Hays is likely looking at another short-term contract, possibly even a one-year deal, which could appeal to a team seeking value. Spotrac and other evaluators have pegged his market value around $5 million, which is modest for a starting-caliber outfielder. This lower price is in part because Hays has had some durability questions – he missed time in 2025 (appearing in 103 games) due to some minor injuries, and earlier in his career he had injured-list stints (for example, rib and ankle issues in 2019-2020). That said, none of his injuries have been major long-term concerns, and he has managed over 130 games in multiple seasons. At age 30, he’s in his prime and likely eager to prove himself to earn a multi-year deal next offseason. A one-year “prove it” deal in 2026 for around $5–6 million could be mutually beneficial for Hays and a signing team.

Fit with Tigers in 2026: The Tigers’ offense in 2025 was very left-handed heavy, with key hitters like Greene, Carpenter, and Meadows batting from the left side. They often struggled against left-handed pitching, which is exactly where Austin Hays can help. As a right-handed bat who excels versus lefties, Hays could slot in as a platoon outfielder or DH to punish opposing southpaws. For instance, Detroit could use him in left or right field on days when a lefty starts, or even as a designated hitter to spell someone like Carpenter in tough matchups, simply rotate through the outfield to keep everyone fresh. Beyond the platoon aspect, Hays is simply one of the best outfielders still on the market and would improve the Tigers’ depth, which in the outfield at the Triple-A level and below, is thin so another veteran bat pickup would be ideal. 

He brings a bit of power, a bit of speed, and a contact-oriented approach that can lengthen the lineup. Given his affordable price tag, Detroit could view Hays as a low-risk upgrade – essentially replacing the production they hoped to get from someone like Matt Vierling (who missed most of 2025 with injuries) with a more established bat. If Hays replicates his 2025 numbers, the Tigers would be very happy, and if he rediscovers his 2023 All-Star form, he’d be a huge bargain. This kind of signing would help Detroit improve its lineup depth without blocking any top prospects long-term.

2025 Performance & Career: Gallen, 30, entered free agency as one of the top starting pitchers available, albeit coming off a surprisingly down year by his standards. In 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gallen made 33 starts and logged 192 innings but posted an uncharacteristic 4.83 ERA (with a 4.51 FIP). For a pitcher who was a Cy Young finalist in 2022 and an All-Star in 2023, those numbers were disappointing. The full-season stats don’t tell the whole story, though – Gallen struggled through the first four months of 2025 (his ERA was 5.60 at the end of July) but then rebounded to his old form down the stretch.

Over his final 11 starts, he recorded a 3.32 ERA and cut his home run rate significantly, suggesting he made adjustments and regained his effectiveness. Gallen’s track record is stellar: from 2019-2024 he established himself as a front-line starter, with 2022 being a breakout (2.54 ERA, 192 K’s, Cy Young 3rd place). He has impeccable control and a diverse repertoire of plus pitches (a riding fastball, nasty curve, cutter, and changeup). Importantly, Gallen is known as a workhorse. He tied for the fourth-most starts in MLB from 2022-2025 (126 starts in that span) and threw 734 innings in those four years, which was third-most among all pitchers. He’s taken the ball every fifth day reliably, only missing brief time for minor injuries (a few short IL stints for a hamstring and a minor elbow sprain back in 2021). In short, Gallen’s career resume and durability make him stand out, even if his most recent season was a bit rocky.

Contract & Injuries: Gallen’s free agency is a bit complicated by two factors: his underperformance in 2025 and the fact he rejected a qualifying offer from Arizona. By turning down the QO, Gallen comes with draft-pick compensation attached, which can cool his market – teams are cautious about giving up a high draft pick for a pitcher who just had a down year. Indeed, Gallen’s market has been slower than expected, with rumors of mostly short-term offers. There was even a (false) report at one point that he had signed a modest 2-year, $54 million deal, which indicates the kind of contract people are predic

ting: perhaps a 1 or 2-year “pillow” contract with a high annual salary and an opt-out. Gallen, a client of Scott Boras, could be aiming for a multi-year deal in the 4-year range (MLB Trade Rumors predicted around 4 years, $80M), but given the lukewarm interest, he may end up with a shorter deal that lets him rebuild value and re-enter free agency before age 32. In terms of health, Gallen has been mostly healthy throughout his career – aside from a minor elbow scare in 2021, he hasn’t had arm injuries, and his heavy workload is evidence of his resilience.

Teams will do their due diligence, but there’s no indication of any current injury concern. It’s more about whether 2025 was an aberration or a sign of decline. At 30, Gallen is still in his prime, so many evaluators believe a bounce-back is likely.

Fit with Tigers in 2026: For Detroit, Gallen could be an excellent addition to an already promising rotation. The Tigers’ starting pitching was a strength in 2025 and projects well for 2026, they have Tarik Skubal, followed by Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson (if healthy), and Troy Melton rounding out the staff. However, there are a few reasons Gallen fits: depth and future stability. Behind that front five, the Tigers’ rotation depth thins out relatively quickly with some prospects and swingmen. Adding Gallen would give Detroit another frontline-caliber arm to pair with Skubal, taking pressure off the likes of Mize and Flaherty. It would also allow someone like Melton or other young arms to start in Triple-A until needed, improving overall depth.

A big consideration is the longer-term outlook: Skubal, Flaherty, and Mize are all on track to reach free agency after 2026. The Tigers have very little money committed beyond 2026, so they are in a position to sign a pitcher like Gallen to a multi-year deal without payroll concern. By signing Gallen now, Detroit could protect itself against possibly losing multiple starters next winter. Even on a short deal, Gallen helps the 2026 team try to contend in the AL Central (which appears winnable) In short, Gallen’s upside – a proven workhorse who can front a rotation – perfectly aligns with Detroit’s goal to fortify its pitching staff for a playoff push. If the price and draft pick cost are palatable to the Tigers’ front office, Gallen could be one of the smartest signings they make.

2025 Performance & Career: Kopech, 30, is a former top prospect with electric stuff, but he’s hit free agency at a low point, coming off an injury-ruined 2025 season. This past year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kopech was limited to just 14 games (all in relief) due to separate shoulder and knee injuries. He started the season on the IL (recovering from a shoulder impingement related to a 2024 forearm issue) and didn’t make his 2025 debut until June. After a few weeks, he injured his right knee (meniscus tear) and required surgery in July, then returned briefly in September only to be shut down again as the knee didn’t hold up. In the tiny sample of 11 innings he did pitch for the Dodgers, Kopech actually had a 2.45 ERA, but that came with more walks (13) than strikeouts (12) – a sign of rust and poor command. Essentially, 2025 was a lost year for him. However, looking back to 2024, we see the upside that has teams intrigued:

Kopech was traded to the Dodgers at the 2024 deadline and became a valuable bullpen weapon during L.A.’s World Series run. In late 2024 he posted a microscopic 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP over 24 games, even recording 6 saves as a fireman reliever. Over two postseason runs (2024 and briefly 2025), he was part of two World Series teams and showed he can handle high-leverage spots. Earlier in his career with the White Sox, Kopech was used both as a starter and reliever, with mixed results – he always missed bats (career 10.5 K/9 rate) but often struggled with control. He was a key piece in the famous Chris Sale trade (Boston to Chicago) in 2016 and for years was lauded for his 100+ mph fastball and wipeout slider. In terms of raw talent, Kopech is as intriguing as any free agent arm, but his career has been stop-and-start due to various setbacks.

Contract & Injuries: Given Kopech’s recent injury history, he is likely looking at a one-year contract, possibly even a minor-league deal with an invite, or a low-base salary MLB deal with incentives. He’s a classic “reclamation project.” The good news for interested teams is that Kopech is reportedly healthy heading into 2026 after rehabbing the knee – by the winter he had resumed throwing. But teams will note his lengthy list of injuries: Tommy John surgery back in 2018 (which wiped out his 2019 season), opting out of 2020, some shoulder trouble in 2022-23, and then the 2025 shoulder/knee issues. Essentially, he hasn’t had a fully healthy season since 2021. Because of that, he may prioritize signing with a team that will give him an opportunity to pitch regularly and rebuild his value.

He just turned 30, so he still has time to re-establish himself if he can stay on the field. Kopech also recently switched agents to Scott Boras, suggesting he’s aiming to follow a plan to boost his stock (Boras clients often take a short deal with an eye on a bigger payday if they rebound). Financially, any deal he signs will be modest – perhaps a one-year contract in the low seven figures. The San Francisco Giants have been rumored to be interested in him as a buy-low bullpen piece, and a few other teams in need of pitching depth will likely be in the mix. Whichever team signs him will be betting on their coaching staff and medical staff to unlock Kopech’s potential and keep him healthy.

Fit with Tigers in 2026: Detroit has had some success in recent years taking pitchers with good raw stuff and helping them improve (their pitching coach Chris Fetter has a strong reputation for development). Kopech could be an intriguing project for the Tigers in either a bullpen or swingman role. The Tigers love pitchers with extension and powerful fastballs, and Kopech certainly fits that mold – at 6'3" with a long stride, he releases the ball closer to the plate, which makes his high-90s fastball even harder to hit. When healthy, he has shown he can be a dominant late-inning reliever, which could complement Detroit’s bullpen.

There’s also the possibility Detroit could stretch him out as a starter in spring training and see if he can compete for a back-end rotation spot – though given his recent workload, a relief role might be more realistic to start. Importantly, Kopech would not be counted on as a centerpiece; he’d be a no-risk, high-upside flyer. For a Tigers team that intends to compete, having an extra power arm is valuable, and Kopech’s postseason experience (two rings with the Dodgers) brings a winning pedigree to the clubhouse. The fit comes down to how much the Tigers believe in their pitching infrastructure to fix Kopech’s command and keep him healthy.

If they do sign him, it would be the kind of move we’ve seen Detroit favor in the past – betting on talent and upside (much like they did with other former top prospects or hard throwers). In sum, Kopech could be a sneaky good addition to the Tigers’ pitching staff for 2026 if his body cooperates. At minimal cost, Detroit could find themselves a dynamic reliever or swing starter, which is why this “reclamation project” might be worth a roll of the dice.

Follow me on "X" @rogcastbaseball