Detroit Tigers: Three Winners From Cameron Maybin Trade

Winner #2 The Long-Term Outlook of Detroit’s Bullpen

The Detroit Tigers bullpen hasn’t exactly been the best in years past. In fact, it’s been pretty dreadful at times.

However, things took a step forward last season as the arrivals of Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson, coupled with the emergence of Kyle Ryan and Bruce Rondon, brought stability.

Now it seems that the Tigers bullpen could get even better as time goes on.

Not only did the team pick up Rodriguez’ option for next season, but Joe Jimenez will likely make his Major League debut at some point in the coming year.

With a minor league system filled with intriguing relief prospects like Mark Ecker, Paul Voelker, Gerson Moreno, Adam Ravenelle, Drew Smith and Jairo Labourt, there is plenty to like for the future.

More exciting still is the potential three-headed bullpen monster that could be composed of Jimenez, Rondon and Victor Alcantara.

Alcantara, the player acquired for Maybin, has been a starter in the minors, but could thrive in relief.

Like Jimenez and Rondon, he features a blazing fastball that sits in the upper 90s.

Also like his two fellow relievers, Alcantara can turn to a plus off-speed offering in a slider that is thrown with significant velocity.