Call to the pen
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Detroit Tigers still have plenty of work left to do with pitching staff

By David Hill

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 4: Al Avila laughs during a news conference at Comerica Park after he was promoted to executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager on August 4, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Avila replaces Dave Dombrowski who was the Tigers' general manager since 2002. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 4: Al Avila laughs during a news conference at Comerica Park after he was promoted to executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager on August 4, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Avila replaces Dave Dombrowski who was the Tigers' general manager since 2002. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Tigers had been one of the winners of the offseason prior to the lockout. They found a long term answer at short in Javier Baez and made a major addition to the rotation with Eduardo Rodriguez. With an impressive group of youngsters, and more top prospects on the cusp of reaching the majors, the Tigers are looking to contend for years to come.

As much as those moves may help, they are not going to be enough if the Tigers want to contend in 2022. They still need to address the pitching staff, with both the rotation and bullpen in desperate need of upgrades.

Detroit Tigers still have work to do

There is reason for hope with the rotation from the internal options. Casey Mize appears ready to take the next step forward and emerge as the top of the rotation arm he has been projected to become. However, the rest of the rotation is highly unproven.

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The problem is that there are not many upgrades available in free agency. Both Clayton Kershaw and Carlos Rodon are the top options left, but there are questions around both. The other starters on the market are more back of the rotation options that may be able to eat innings, but would not mark an improvement.

It will be much easier for the Tigers to upgrade the bullpen in free agency. Although there are plenty of setup men available, Detroit would essentially be looking at Kenley Jansen in an effort to upgrade in the ninth inning.

While a free agent signing makes sense to solidify the seventh and eighth innings, it may not be a surprise to see the Tigers enter the trade market. The likes of Sonny Gray and Lou Trivino could make a major impact upon their roster without costing as much in terms of prospects as some of the other options that could be on the trade block. As the Tigers look to emerge from their rebuilding process, they will need to part with some of their prospects to improve the major league roster. That time has come now.

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The Detroit Tigers were one of the more improved teams prior to the lockout. However, they still have work to do on their pitching staff.

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