Detroit Tigers 2016 Review: Mark Lowe

2017 Outlook

It remains to be seen whether Lowe, like a number of others, will return next season.

The Detroit Tigers are likely going to be saying goodbye to some veterans with hefty contracts in order to set up a more financially-sustainable future.

While Lowe showed signs of improvement with a 2.95 ERA and a .192 batting average over his final 21.1 innings, his expiring contract may be too hefty to move given his overall numbers.

As with Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey, Detroit could add Lowe and his contract to any potential deal involving J.D. Martinez, Francisco Rodriguez, Cameron Maybin or one of the team’s other trade chips.

This would do wonders in terms of helping Avila clear salary from Detroit’s bloated payroll.

However, if the right-hander isn’t dealt, he’ll head into next season looking to rebound. His numbers down the stretch, including 25 punch outs in those 21.1 innings of work, suggest Lowe has the potential to bounce back.

Next: Trading J.D. May Be Best Move for Tigers Now & Later

Should Lowe stick around, he’d likely be in the mix to pitch earlier in games. If he comes out of the gate pitching similar to the way he did in 2015, there’s no reason he can’t work his way into late-game situations.