Detroit Tigers: What Will the Rotation Look Like in 2017?

The Big Three: Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer and Jordan Zimmermann

Going into 2017, there should be three shoo-ins for the rotation. Assuming that they are healthy, one would think that Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer and Jordan Zimmermann should each be in the starting staff.

Verlander had his best season since 2012 this year, going 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA. His 10.04 K/9 was his highest since 2009. Many expect that he will receive consideration for the AL Cy Young award. Although many thought that Verlander’s career was in decline after a rough 2014 campaign, it now appears that the Tigers have their ace back.

Fulmer had a tremendous rookie season, going 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA. He was a big part of the reason why the Detroit Tigers hung around in the Wild Card chase for as long as they did. The 23-year-old right-hander was thought to be the favorite for the AL Rookie of the Year award, though Gary Sanchez has since emerged as a serious competitor. The Tigers will need Fulmer to avoid a sophomore slump in 2017.

Although Zimmermann’s numbers suffered over an injury-ridden summer, it is important to remember that he began the season by going 5-0 with an 0.55 ERA. Next season will be year No. 2 of the five-year, $110 million deal he signed with Detroit. He is getting paid like a No. 1 or No. 2 starter, and the Tigers will need him to get back to being just that.

So, with that out of the way, what might the rest of the rotation look like? Well, here are some options.