As the MLB Winter Meetings have come and gone, the Detroit Tigers find themselves with one open spot on their 40-man roster. After the trade of Ian Kinsler and the Rule 5 Draft pick of Victor Reyes, the Tigers will be looking to fill that last spot soon.
The targets have been made pretty clear, general manager Al Avila is looking for another veteran starter or another arm for the bullpen. Here is a list of three relievers the should target and two starters that would fit nicely for 2018. Neither of these signings should be more than two-year deals.
RHP Zach Putnam — RP
Right off the bat this makes sense, however, it will take some patience. Putnam is coming off of Tommy John surgery, and is expected to be ready by the All-Star break. If that gives you pause, let’s begin here: the kid was very good out of the bullpen for the White Sox. In 145 career appearances, Putnam has recorded a career 3.20 ERA, 162 strikeouts in 152 innings pitched, and a 3.37 FIP — which would be considered “great” by Baseball Prospectus.
The University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Pioneer product is 30-years-old, and given his current rehab would only require a minor league deal. He’s a very low-risk option, with a good amount of upside for the Tigers to fill that last spot with.
LHP Glen Perkins — RP
Glen Perkins seems like a flier type pick up at this point. He returned last season after a 16-month hiatus from shoulder surgery and then had his club option declined, making him a free agent. Perkins was, for a while, the best option out of the Twins bullpen, recording 120 saves for them over seven years as a closer.
Though he has stated he wants to only play for the Twins and would consider retirement, the Tigers should do their due diligence on the 34-year-old lefty, even if it’s just for a one-year stopgap — having his former manager in Ron Gardenhire could sweeten the deal.
RHP Josh Collmenter — RP
Josh Collmenter is not a sexy pickup, but he could definitely be a good and less expensive option for the Tigers. He’s only appeared in 29 games over the last two season, but does carry a career ERA of 3.64 and could be a guy the Tigers again get on a minor league deal.
The Central Michigan product is only 31-years-old and could definitely slot into the Tigers pen for the 2018 season.
LHP Brett Anderson — SP
Anderson is a gritty lefty that has both started and relieved in games for various different teams. The truth is, he’s had more success as a starter than as a reliever, and thus he slots into this piece as a starter. The Tigers could do well to add another lefty to the mix of our rotation, one that has performed well in the past and if given the opportunity to start again could perform well.
Anderson carries FIP’s when starting of 2.72, 2.99 (in Colorado!), 3.21, and 3.85. Each of these hovering between that “great” and “average” definition as stated above. Getting a guy like Anderson could be just what the doctor ordered to push this starting staff, one that is truly looking for an answer outside of guys name Fulmer.
RHP Jhoulys Chachin — SP
Chacin is a guy that brings a career 17.9 WAR to the table and could slot in as an everyday bottom of the rotation guy. If the bottom of our rotation is adding 18 wins above a replacement caliber player, then we will be doing alright. Chacin will be 30 years old at the beginning of next season, and only made $1.725 million with the Padres next year. Another cheap, but valuable arm the Tigers could slot into the rotation.
So there you have it Nation, did we miss someone? Let us know in the comments!
