The Detroit Tigers are interested in reuniting with free-agent right-hander Rick Porcello, sources told MLB.com's Jon Morosi and Jason Beck.
Though the two sides remain far apart on a deal, the Tigers believe their 2007 first-round draft pick can eat innings and mentor young starters, Beck adds.
The 32-year-old has pitched more than 170 innings in a single season on 10 different occasions.
Porcello spent six campaigns with the Tigers from 2009 to 2014 before they traded him to the Boston Red Sox for Yoenis Cespedes and two others. He won the American League Cy Young Award with the Red Sox in 2016.
The New Jersey native played for the New York Mets in 2020, going 1-7 with a 5.64 ERA and 3.33 FIP, striking out 54 in 59 innings.
Some of Detroit's rotation candidates include Matthew Boyd, Spencer Turnbull, Michael Fulmer, and Jose Urena.
Top prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal will also compete for rotation spots in spring training, according to general manager Al Avila.
