Detroit Tigers: Six Free Agent Relievers Detroit Should Target

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Sep 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) reacts to the last out in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers fans have long been witness to struggling bullpens. While the team took steps forward last season, more reinforcements are needed for the upcoming campaign.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila did an excellent job reshaping the team’s bullpen in his first year in charge of the club. The additions of Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson helped bring stability to a group that had previously lacked it.

However, Detroit’s bullpen is by no means perfect.

Wilson, Shane Greene and Mark Lowe all suffered through bouts of inconsistency, while Alex Wilson, Bruce Rondon and Kyle Ryan didn’t flourish until later in the season.

In other words, more depth is needed.

Even with Blaine Hardy and a healthy Drew VerHagen, the argument can still be made that Detroit needs relief help. Ideally, another late-inning arm to help bridge the gap to Rodriguez, should he return.

At some point in 2017, Joe Jimenez is likely to debut after making it all the way to Triple-A. However, the top prospect can’t be the only addition, Detroit needs more. There are plenty of options on the free agent market that could appeal to the Tigers, here are just six of them.

Ranging from late-inning arms to rebound candidates, all of these relievers would significantly improve Detroit’s bullpen outlook.

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