Detroit Tigers: Six Free Agent Relievers Detroit Should Target

Brett Cecil

2016 Team: Toronto Blue Jays
2016 SIERA: 2.71
2016 WHIP: 1.282
2016 K/9: 11.0

If it were most other teams, re-signing a top set-up reliever would probably be Toronto’s top priority. However, the Blue Jays aren’t most other teams.

Among the other potential free agents on John Gibbons’ club include Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders. That’s all without mentioning a raise (per Spotrac) for All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson.

With a number of other free agents (Dioner Navarro, Joaquin Benoit, Jason Grilli, Darwin Barney, R.A. Dickey), Toronto will have a number of holes to fill in the offseason.

Should Cecil hit the open market, the Tigers should pounce.

Detroit will obviously need to clear some money if the team ends up cutting payroll, but Cecil would be worth it.

The 30-year-old owns a career 10.4 swinging strike percentage, and at his best posted swinging strike percentage numbers in the 15-16 range. What’s more, the reliever has pitched to a 2.90 ERA and a 2.73 FIP since switching to the bullpen full-time at the start of the 2013 campaign.

Potential Role With the Detroit Tigers

Cecil would join Bruce Rondon, Justin Wilson and Alex Wilson as the top setup options in building a bridge to Francisco Rodriguez. What’s more, Cecil could also fill in occasionally as a closer when Rodriguez isn’t available.