Tigers Could Have Potential Free Agent Pitching Target For Discount

There was once a time when Gallen was seen as one of the best pitchers in baseball and surely the next name to receive a massive nine-figure deal. Since his All-Star campaign in 2023 though, something has been off. In his recent free agency big board, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report listed Gallen at No. 16 and made no bones about the fact that he has lost out on financial gain.

"There is no question Gallen has cost himself a sizable chunk of money with his disappointing 2025 season, but he has taken steps toward rebuilding some value with a 2.83 ERA in 47.2 innings and six quality starts since the beginning of August," Reuter wrote.

With the way things have gone though, perhaps a team like Detroit on a shorter deal could make a ton of sense both for the team and for Gallen.

Tigers Could Be Perfect Fit For Gallen

For one, if Gallen is looking to take a short-term prove it type deal, that would be the kind of thing Detroit has been and will continue to be all over. A one-year agreement to get him into the fold, hopefully fix the issues and have a great year before cashing in would certainly be mutually beneficial.

If the 30-year-old's struggles this year have been mechanical, there is no one in baseball more equipped to fix them than Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter.

Over his last six starts following another very impressive outing to beat the San Francisco Giants on Monday, Gallen has posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 32 strikeouts compared to just nine walks in 36.2 innings pitched. Clearly, there is still something there despite the lack of dominance over the last two seasons.

If Gallen finishes strong, the opportunity for a short-term deal could go by the wayside, but if it's something he is willing to entertain, bringing in a motivated former star with improved coaching not to mention a contending team could be a spectacular arrangement for all involved.