Detroit Tigers: Four Relief Pitcher Trades Tigers Should Make

Detroit Tigers relievers have struggled as of late. The team has made a number of transactions lately to provide fresh arms. Outside help is clearly needed as the team hasn’t been able to find the perfect group.

Detroit Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon excelled in his season debut on Sunday, mixing his blazing fastball with some filthy slider to keep the Royals off the board for two innings.

Rondon has been one of the few relievers called upon that hasn’t struggled. Drew VerHagen, Bobby Parnell, Blaine Hardy have all struggled, as has notable offseason Mark Lowe.

Right now, the only reliable commodities are Rondon, Shane Greene, Justin Wilson and closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The Tigers need help, and considering all the relievers they have used so far this season, the best options may be found outside the organization.

Given that the Detroit farm system—while vastly improved—isn’t the gold standard where prospect development is concerned, the Tigers probably shouldn’t break the bank to bring a new relief pitcher. While adding an effective sixth or seventh inning option may not be as flashy of an acquisition as a closer-type pitcher, it would be extremely useful to Detroit’s relief corps in terms of building a bridge to the likes of Wilson and Rodriguez.

Here are some options that would vastly improve the team’s depth.