Each offseason, several players who previously moved from North America to play in Japan or Korea return, aiming to make a mark in Major League Baseball. Among such returnees, Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Anderson stands out as the most significant figure for 2026.
Signing with the Tigers last December seemed like a strategic decision for a team eyeing a pennant. Presently, this move could impact the trade deadline on August 3.
“I was definitely hoping to come back,” Anderson shared in a Zoom call, expressing his strong interest in joining the Tigers after observing their playoff runs in 2024 and 2025.
Anderson, at 32, has performed solidly with a 2-2 record and a 3.62 ERA in 19 games. He’s delivered 46 strikeouts in 37.1 innings, proving to be a valuable acquisition at a $7 million salary for 2026, with a $10 million team option for 2027.
Despite high hopes, the Tigers’ season has been challenging, with 21 losses in their last 25 games, putting them at a 22-38 record, the worst in the American League. Only the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels have lower playoff odds in the AL, as per FanGraphs.
If the Tigers become sellers before the trade deadline, Anderson will be an appealing option for teams in need of bullpen support. While he’s not matching his Korean stats—12-7 with a 2.25 ERA and 245 strikeouts over 171.2 innings for the SSG Landers—Anderson’s performance remains noteworthy. He’s excelled more than some peers, including Cody Ponce of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Anderson’s potential trade could aid the Tigers by strengthening their future rosters beyond 2026 without jeopardizing current progress. Given their trajectory, the Tigers might soon focus on upcoming seasons.
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