Predicting Detroit Tigers' 2017 Opening Day Starting Rotation

By Brad Faber

Although the 2016 MLB season has yet to even reach the All-Star break, it is never too early to begin looking ahead to the future, especially with a team that has the type of exciting, young talent the Detroit Tigers do. Here is a prediction of what the Tigers’ 2017 opening day rotation might look like.

Predicting Detroit Tigers\' 2017 Opening Day Starting Rotation
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1. Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Although he was recently roughed up by the Cleveland Indians, Justin Verlander has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank. The 33-year-old had a 1.93 ERA over a seven-start stretch earlier this year and should continue to do solid work.

1. Justin Verlander

Although he was recently roughed up by the Cleveland Indians, Justin Verlander has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank. The 33-year-old had a 1.93 ERA over a seven-start stretch earlier this year and should continue to do solid work.

2. Jordan Zimmermann

Jordan Zimmermann Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In his first season after signing a five-year, $110 million deal, Jordan Zimmermann is currently 9-4 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He should continue to be a solid force at the top of the rotation.

2. Jordan Zimmermann

In his first season after signing a five-year, $110 million deal, Jordan Zimmermann is currently 9-4 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He should continue to be a solid force at the top of the rotation.

3. Michael Fulmer

Michael Fulmer Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
One of the brightest stories of the Tigers' 2016 campaign, Michael Fulmer has gone 7-2 with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP so far. It is certainly looking like he is in the big leagues to stay.

3. Michael Fulmer

One of the brightest stories of the Tigers' 2016 campaign, Michael Fulmer has gone 7-2 with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP so far. It is certainly looking like he is in the big leagues to stay.

4. Daniel Norris

Daniel Norris Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Finally back with the big league club, Daniel Norris impressed over eight starts with the Tigers last season and was decent in his first start of 2016. Norris should be a strong candidate to crack the 2017 rotation next spring.

4. Daniel Norris

Finally back with the big league club, Daniel Norris impressed over eight starts with the Tigers last season and was decent in his first start of 2016. Norris should be a strong candidate to crack the 2017 rotation next spring.

5. Mike Pelfrey

Mike Pelfrey Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Signed through next season, Mike Pelfrey should give the team an acceptable No. 5 starter. Of course, Anibal Sanchez is under contract through next season as well, so it will be interesting to see if he can wiggle his way back into the rotation, too.

5. Mike Pelfrey

Signed through next season, Mike Pelfrey should give the team an acceptable No. 5 starter. Of course, Anibal Sanchez is under contract through next season as well, so it will be interesting to see if he can wiggle his way back into the rotation, too.

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