Drew Anderson’s $7 Million Deal with Tigers Sparks Major Speculation—What’s Next for the Rising Right-Hander?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Drew Anderson, the right-hander with a journey that’s been anything but ordinary, has officially inked a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers worth $7 million, according to GM Scott Harris. What’s more, the contract carries a hefty $10 million team option for 2027 — a clear sign Detroit’s betting on the 31-year-old’s upside despite some bumps along the road.

Now, Anderson’s story is pretty fascinating. After hustling through spring training in 2024 on a minor league pact — where he fanned 14 batters over eight innings but also gave up seven runs and nine hits — he made a bold move asking for his release from Triple-A Toledo. That led him overseas to South Korea, where he absolutely thrived with the SSD Landers, compiling a solid 23-10 record and a slick 2.91 ERA across parts of two seasons… striking out over 400 in nearly 288 innings. He then showcased his skills in Japan’s Central League with Hiroshima before now making this fresh leap back into the big leagues.

Sure, his major league tenure — spanning Philadelphia, Chicago, and Texas — reflects mixed results with a 6.50 ERA across 19 appearances. But hey, life’s full of comebacks, right? As someone who’s tracked countless players bouncing back from rough patches, I’m intrigued to see what’s next for Anderson here in Detroit.

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Right-hander Drew Anderson and the Tigers agreed to a one-year contract, $7 million. Detroit general manager Scott Harris said Monday.

The deal includes a $10 million team option for 2027.

Anderson, 31, spent spring training with the Tigers in 2024 on a minor league contract and struck out 14 over eight innings while allowing seven runs and nine hits. He had a 3.86 ERA in nine games with Triple-A Toledo, then asked to be released and signed with SSD Landers in South Korea.

He went 23-10 with a 2.91 ERA over parts of two seasons in South Korea, striking out 403 and walking 104 in 287 1/3 innings.

Anderson last pitched in the major leagues with Texas in 2021 and then spent two seasons with Hiroshima in Japan’s Central League.

He is 1-3 with a 6.50 ERA in two starts and 17 relief appearances over five big league seasons with Philadelphia (2017-19), the Chicago White Sox (2020) and the Rangers.