Tigers in the Hunt: Detroit Join Ranks of Teams Pursuing Walker Buehler’s Signature

Teoscar Hernández is the most prominent Los Angeles Dodgers free agent, but not far behind him are Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty, both of whom figure to benefit from a strong market for starting pitchers.

Buehler’s stock seemingly rose to begin with as he finished off another successful postseason showing by closing out Game 5 of the World Series. Buehler extended his postseason scoreless streak to 10 innings in the process.

At various points in free agency the likes of the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have been among the teams with reported interest in the right-hander.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers have entered Buehler’s market as well.

The Tigers have interest in right-hander Walker Buehler.

It’s unclear if the Tigers remain interested in Buehler as they have since signed Alex Cobb to a one-year contract. If their interest still stands, it’s presumed Detroit would want to land Buehler on a one-year deal as well.

Short-term contracts are how Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has largely addressed the team’s starting rotation since taking control of the front office in September 2022.

In his first offseason at the helm, Harris signed Matthew Boyd and Michael Lorenzen to respective one-year contracts. Last offseason the Tigers signed Flaherty to a one-year deal and Kenta Maeda for two years.

In addition to Buehler, the Tigers reportedly have interest in Flaherty as well. Flaherty is projected to receive a contract of up to six years, which might be out of Detroit’s comfort zone.

What type of contract will Walker Buehler sign?

Most projections have Buehler signing at least a two-year deal in free agency. There is the potential he takes a one-year pillow contract in order to further build his value behind what could be a successful 2025 season.

But given the demand for starting pitchers and Buehler already trending in an upward direction, he might be more likely to attempt finding the most lucrative deal this winter.