Detroit Tigers: Six Moves That Will Help Detroit Make the Playoffs in 2017

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
Apr 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) is out at second base as Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first base during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Clear 40-man Roster Space in Order to Take Fliers on Players

Ok, so maybe this isn’t one exact transaction, but the Detroit Tigers need to start taking fliers on players.

Baseball’s best teams are constantly taking fliers on players. If the player isn’t a fit, the club simply designates them for assignment and moves on to another option.

This is extremely relevant in the playoffs.

As it stands, key members of clubs left in the postseason were acquired in relatively minor deals.

Recent Examples

Cleveland relief ace Dan Otero (1.53 ERA, 2.33 FIP in 70.2 innings) was claimed on waivers by both Philadelphia and Cleveland last offseason.

Meanwhile, Dodgers third baseman and 4.9 WAR performer Justin Turner (who also had 90 RBI in 2016) signed as a free agent with Los Angeles in early February of 2014. Lastly, Cubs reliever Hector Rondon (3.50 FIP, 18 saves in 54 games) moved to the Windy City via the Rule 5 draft during the 2012 offseason.

The Detroit Tigers themselves are no stranger to taking fliers on players and seeing the transactions pay off. J.D. Martinez is obviously the most prominent example of this, but Blaine Hardy and Al Alburquerque also turned in quality displays after joining in relatively minor deals.

As of now, there are potentially nine players on the Tigers 40-man roster who could be moved to make space.

Next: Six Free Agent Relievers Detroit Should Sign

These include Anthony Gose, Casey McGehee, Anibal Sanchez, Pelfrey, Lowe, Dustin Molleken, Warwick Saupold and Mantiply.

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