Baltimore Orioles: Potential landing spots for Chris Tillman

Former Baltimore Orioles ace Chris Tillman is one of the more interesting players available this offseason. Where could the Orioles former ace land?

There was a time when Chris Tillman looked like a long term option atop the Baltimore Orioles rotation. After years of waiting, he finally tapped into his immense potential in 2012, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.047 WHiP in his 86 innings. Tillman, who had appeared to be at a crossroads earlier that year, had given the Orioles hope he could be a part of the future.

In 2013 and 2014, Tillman became the pitcher the Orioles hoped for. While he was not quite a superstar, he had established himself as a top of the rotation starter, a key piece for Baltimore. In those two seasons, Tillman produced a 29-13 record, along with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.226 WHiP. He was a solid workhorse, leading the league in starts in 2014, and pitching over 200 innings each season.

After a down year in 2015, Tillman was right back to his former self in 2016. The Orioles Opening Day starter, he posted a solid 16-6 record with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.285 WHiP. He was now the Orioles ace, and a candidate for an extension as Baltimore built towards the future.

However, disaster struck in 2017. Tillman struggled after his late start to the season, and was eventually demoted to the bullpen. The former All Star looked like a shadow of himself, posting a 1-7 record with a 7.84 ERA and a 1.892 WHiP. He walked 4.9 batters per nine innings, the second highest mark of his career, while striking out only 6.1 batters per nine. In 93 innings, Tillman allowed 24 homers. It was one of the worst ways he could have entered free agency.

However, given his track record prior to last season, Tillman could be the type of pitcher that can help a team. On a one year, make good contract, he would be the prefect buy low candidate for a team with payroll limitations. Or, for a team looking for a back of the rotation starter with upside, Tillman would be a great fit.

Let’s take a look at a few teams that could make sense for the former Baltimore Orioles ace.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Unless they trade Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen, the Pittsburgh Pirates likely have designs on competing. Chris Tillman could help with that goal.

The Pirates have had some success with reclamation projects before. Pitchers like Ivan Nova, A.J. Burnett (twice), and Francisco Liriano rebuilt their careers with the Pirates. Each pitcher was able to parlay that success into a multi-year deal, once again becoming viable targets in free agency.

Tillman, in a lot of ways, finds himself in a similar situation as those pitchers. He is looking to rebuild his value, and may well accept a one year contract to do just that. In teaming up with Ray Searage, who has become the best pitching coach in the game, he could once again be that solid top of the rotation starter he had been.

Such a deal would make sense for the Pirates as well. Should Tillman regain his form, he could be the starter Pittsburgh needs to return to contention in the NL Central. Otherwise, if the Pirates struggle and Tillman regained his form, he would be a solid trade chip at the deadline.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had success with reclamation projects like Chris Tillman. Why not see if lightning can strike once again?

Detroit Tigers

Unlike the Pirates, the Detroit Tigers are not expecting to contend this season. However, that does not mean that they would not be interested in a reclamation project or two.

Although the Tigers have already inked Mike Fiers to a one year contract, Detroit still has a couple of openings in the rotation. Tillman has been of particular interest to the Tigers, as the team has been linked to the former Orioles starter for the past few weeks.

Tillman would make perfect sense for Detroit. The Tigers, while they are fully aware that they are rebuilding, are looking for short term solutions in the rotation. Pitchers like Fiers, and potentially Tillman, would fit that bill on a one or two year contract. A strong performance by Tillman would allow Detroit to further rebuild their farm system, potentially kickstarting the rebuilding process.

If he returns to form, Tillman would also serve as a decent insurance policy for Michael Fulmer. The young righty has established himself as the Tigers ace, but underwent surgery to repair a nerve issue in his elbow. Although he is expected to ready for Spring Training, it is still a situation that bears watching.

Chris Tillman could be a nice option as the Detroit Tigers look to move to the future. Maybe, if he returns to form, the Tigers could even surprise in 2018.