Each offseason, several players return to Major League Baseball (MLB) from Japan or Korea, aiming to prove themselves anew. This year, Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Anderson has emerged as a leading candidate among those who rejoined MLB after a stint in Asia.
Anderson’s signing with the Tigers, viewed initially as a strategic move for a possible playoff contender, now has implications ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
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So far in 2026, Anderson has recorded a 2-2 win-loss record with a 3.62 ERA in 19 games. He has struck out 46 batters over 37.1 innings, offering strong value for his $7 million salary this year, with a $10 million team option for 2027.
When Anderson joined the Tigers in December, he aimed to bring his experience from South Korea’s KBO back to MLB. During his MLB career, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Chicago White Sox from 2017 to 2021. Joining Detroit offered him another chance at deep playoff runs, considering their recent playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025.
“I was definitely hoping to come back,” Anderson mentioned during a Zoom call with reporters upon signing. “I really liked the Tigers. I watched them the whole year, both in 2024 and 2025, going to the playoffs. I definitely think this year will likely see even more playoff progress.”
However, events haven’t aligned with Anderson’s expectations. The team’s performance has seen them lose 21 of their last 25 games, placing them at 22-38, the worst in the American League.
FanGraphs’ playoff projections suggest only the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels have lower odds of reaching the postseason in the AL.
If the Tigers opt to offload players before the trade deadline, Anderson stands out as a desirable target for teams seeking bullpen support. Although he’s not performing at his elite 2025 levels in Korea, where he went 12-7 with a 2.25 ERA, his current numbers still make him a valuable asset.
Other players returning from Asia, like Cody Ponce, have struggled, while Anthony Kay of the Chicago White Sox offers competition as the top American-born MLB returnee this year.
Should Anderson be traded, he may aid the Tigers’ future roster development for 2027 and beyond, incurring minimal harm to their 2026 prospects. With current team trends, the Tigers are likely to start focusing on next year soon.
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