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Detroit Tigers sign pitcher from KBO on one-year deal for 2026
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- Detroit Tigers sign pitcher from KBO on one-year deal for 2026
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Detroit Tigers have signed their first player of the 2025 MLB offseason. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Tigers have signed Drew Anderson to a one-year contract, which includes a club option for the 2027 MLB season. Anderson, who hasn't pitched in MLB since 2021, has been pitching in Korea since 2024.
The 31-year-old pitcher had a short tenure with the Tigers in 2024, pitching in Triple-A Toledo as a reliever in nine games. Anderson posted a 3.86 ERA before moving to Korea. In 2025, Anderson posted a 2.25 ERA in 171.2 innings, leading the SSG Landers with 12 wins.
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Drew Anderson's outlook with the Detroit Tigers in 2026
Anderson will report to Spring Training as a starting pitcher for the Tigers, but he does have experience as a relief pitcher. The 31-year-old pitcher projects as a depth option for the rotation, joining Tarik Skubal , Jack Flaherty , Casey Mize , Reese Olson , Troy Melton , Keider Monter, Sawyer Gipson-Long , and others.
Since the Tigers had an open spot on their 40-man roster, the organization won't have to make a corresponding move. As of now, the salary figures haven't been made public, but Detroit figures to be in the market for more starting pitchers this winter.
There is a legitimate possibility that Anderson begins the 2026 season in Triple-A Toledo, but it is notable that Detroit gave him a club option for 2027. The Tigers believe in Anderson's ability to pitch in MLB, and he could have a shot at earning the No. 5 spot in the rotation next year.
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