Detroit Tigers Five Free Agent Pitchers Team Should Sign

Shawn Tolleson

2016 Team: Texas Rangers
2016 Stats: -0.3 WAR, 5.24 FIP, 3.77 SIERA, 8.7 swinging strike percentage, 7.18 K/9, .372 BABIP

Shawn Tolleson’s numbers from the 2016 season aren’t much to write home about, however his SIERA and BABIP outputs suggest he’s much better than his gaudy FIP would indicate.

The struggles were relatively new for the veteran reliever, who was coming off a strong two-year run from 2014 to 2015. Over the span, the right-hander struck out 9.1 batters per nine frames while accumulating a 2.88 ERA, a 3.83 FIP and 35 saves in 144 innings.

In fact, Tolleson even finished 10^th in the voting for the American League Cy Young just a season ago. The reliever finished ahead of both Carlos Carrasco and Dellin Betances in the voting for the American League’s best pitcher.

Potential Role in Detroit

If he can regain his previous form, Tolleson is a reliable late-inning arm. Just as with any potential signing of Greg Holland, the Tigers could deal from a position of depth and flip Francisco Rodriguez for younger pieces.

Either way, the former Ranger and Dodger would be an excellent fit as either Rodriguez’ setup man, or his short-term successor.