Chances are that 2018 is going to be a rough go for the Detroit Tigers when it comes to wins and losses. In fact, the Tigers are tied with the Miami Marlins for the worst odds to win the 2018 World Series as both are 200-1 long shots.
But that does not mean Tigers general manager Al Avila is not working hard to fill out the roster and to improve the minor league depth.
On Monday, the Tigers announced they have agreed to terms with former National League All-Star pitcher, Travis Wood on a minor league contract for the 2018 season.
The Tigers announced today that the club has agreed to terms with LHP Travis Wood on a Minor League contract for the 2018 season. Wood has also received an invitation to Major League Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/6vK9jJAq0o
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) January 29, 2018
Wood, who is 30-years-old (will be 31 on Feb. 6), pitched in a total of 39 games in 2017 (28 with the Kansas City Royals and 11 with the San Diego Padres). His 11 games with the Padres were all starts and he was 4-3 with a 6.71 ERA.
In 2013, Wood was named to the National League All-Star team. During that season, he was 9-12 with a 3.11 ERA. His best season statistically speaking came in 2014 when he went 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 77 appearances.
Wood will be invited to Spring Training with the Tigers and will have a shot at winning a spot in the rotation or maybe even the bullpen. If he is unable to win a spot out of camp, Wood will provide solid veteran depth for both the rotation and bullpen.
It is interesting to note that Wood has ties to Tigers new pitching coach Chris Bosio.
From Detroit Free Press:
In Detroit, Wood will reunite with pitching coach Chris Bosio. In five seasons with the Cubs working under Bosio, Wood posted a 3.94 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. He made at least 26 starts in three consecutive seasons (2012-14).
