THE Detroit Tigers enter the offseason with a strategy that has likely become much more aggressive than it would be for much of the 2024 season.

In the final period, Detroit recovered from a near double-digit deficit in late August, becoming the hottest team in baseball and making the playoffs against all odds, while ultimately defeating the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round before falling in the ALDS in five games against Cleveland.

Despite the heartbreak, the Tigers have proven to the decision-makers that they are not far from the competition and are potentially only a piece or two away. When it comes to potential areas for improvement, right at the top of the list is additional starting pitching. Tarik Skubal is a superstar and is going to be named an American League Cy Young, but he can’t do it all on his own.

Director AJ Hinch had to piece together bullpen games for Detroit to make the run they did, but a potential true No. 2 behind Skubal would take the staff to the next level. Everyone wants to sign the Corbin Burnes, Jack FlahertyAnd Max Frit types, but maybe the Tigers can get creative and sign a star without breaking the bank.

Roki Sasaski is going to be one of the most sought after launchers in the market after being released by the Chiba Lotte Marinesbut due to age restrictions, he won’t be able to fully cash in and teams will have to convince him to sign with resources other than money. Katrina Stebbins of the Motor City Bengals says this will work in the Tigers’ favor in their pursuit of Sasaki.

“The 2024 international free agent period ends on December 15 and the 2025 window opens again on January 15,” Stebbins wrote. “The Tigers currently have over $2 million left in this signing period, but if Sasaki waits for the next one, the Tigers will have $7,555,500 swinging in front of him… The Tigers have no excuse not to be in Sasaki’s shot. If he’s truly looking for a good small-market team to expand with (and money isn’t an issue), the Tigers are there, and they’ll at least have a little more money to offer him than the most players in the league. “.

Sasaki was sensational in Japan with a 2.02 ERA four-year professional career. He has a devastating splitter that will only get better as the star just turned 23 years old. With money not being a factor, the Tigers have no excuse not to at least throw their hat in the ring for the future ace.

If he really wants a small market team with good management, Detroit is the ideal solution.