Detroit Tigers: Six Free Agent Relievers Detroit Should Target

Sergio Romo

2016 Team: San Francisco Giants
2016 SIERA: 2.97
2016 WHIP: 1.076
2016 K/9: 9.7

Sergio Romo may not be the closer for the San Francisco Giants anymore, but that hasn’t stopped him from being effective.

Dating back to the beginning of the 2015 campaign, the reliever pitched to a 2.57 FIP and 104 strikeouts in 88 innings pitched.

The Giants will certainly have plenty of money coming off the books with Angel Pagan, Jake Peavy, Romo, Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez and Gregor Blanco’s respective contracts expiring.

However, Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Denard Span and Matt Moore’s contracts all call for increases in salary. Add in likely arbitration increases for Will Smith, George Kontos and Eduardo Nunez and San Francisco may not have too much money to play with.

Potential Role With the Detroit Tigers

Romo is obviously still effective (14.9 swinging strike percentage, 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings) and could thrive as Francisco Rodriguez’ top setup man.

Much in the same way Rodriguez’ arrival last season allowed relievers to settle into regular roles, Romo’s arrival could do the same with the rest of Detroit’s bullpen.

With a potential bullpen of Rodriguez, Romo, Bruce Rondon, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson, Shane Greene and Joe Jimenez firing on all cylinders, Detroit stands an excellent chance to return to the postseason.