Every offseason, several baseball players return from Japan or Korea to resume their careers in Major League Baseball (MLB). This year, Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Anderson stands out as a leading player to make this transition.
During the 2026 season, Anderson has shown significant promise. He has been a valuable addition to the Tigers and a potential asset at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Thus far, Anderson has achieved a 2-2 record with a 3.62 ERA over 19 games. He has struck out 46 batters in 37.1 innings, which reflects his impressive performance after a stint in Asia. He is set to earn $7 million in 2026, with a $10 million team option for 2027.
Anderson rejoined the MLB after spending time in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). Before signing with the Tigers in December, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Chicago White Sox between 2017 and 2021. His tenure in Korea provided him with valuable experience that he hoped to leverage in the MLB.
In a conversation with reporters, Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Tigers. “I was definitely hoping to come back,” Anderson remarked. “I really liked the Tigers, watching them through their seasons in 2024 and 2025.” At that time, the Tigers faced consecutive American League Division Series exits, but he believed this season could lead to deeper playoff success.
However, the Tigers haven’t met expectations. They have lost 21 of their last 25 games, placing them at a dismal 22-38, the worst record in the American League. Only the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels have lower playoff odds within the AL according to FanGraphs.
If the Tigers opt to trade before the deadline, Anderson becomes a sought-after candidate for teams in need of pitching reinforcement. While he isn’t replicating his standout 2025 Korean season — where he finished with a 12-7 record, a 2.25 ERA, and 245 strikeouts for the SSG Landers — he remains competitive.
Compared to peers like Cody Ponce of the Toronto Blue Jays, who has struggled with injuries this season, Anderson’s performance is commendable. Only Anthony Kay from the Chicago White Sox, who returns from Japan with a 5-1 record and 3.77 ERA, rivals Anderson as a noteworthy American returnee.
Trading Anderson could allow the Tigers to strategically enhance their 2027 roster without significantly impacting the current season’s results. Continuing their current pace, the Tigers may soon have to focus more on future prospects.
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