Detroit Tigers: Ranking Padres Trade Fits in Event of a Jose Iglesias Trade

Name: Brad Hand
Age: 26
Position: Relief Pitcher
Controllable Through: 2019
2016 Stat of Note: 11.14 K/9

Ryan Butcher is another name to watch in terms of Padres relief pitchers, but Hand may be more attainable.

The reliever is coming off an excellent campaign after switching to the bullpen full time. The 26-year-old led the league with 82 appearances last season, his first in San Diego.

Dating back to the days of Heath Bell and Luke Gregerson, the Padres have had a tendency to produce some excellent relievers, and Hand is no different.

In 89.1 innings pitched last season, the left-hander turned in some stellar numbers. Hand logged a 1.6 WAR while also striking out 11.14 batters per nine frames. He also added a 2.92 ERA, a 3.07 FIP, a 3.34 xFIP and a 3.09 SIERA.

Potential Fit with the Detroit Tigers

Given Hand’s ability to strike out batters at a high rate, there’s potential for him to close games. He’d make for an intriguing, eventual replacement to Francisco Rodriguez, as well a bridge to Bruce Rondon or Joe Jimenez.

However, at worst, Hand is a top setup reliever. A combination of Hand, Rondon, Jimenez and Justin Wilson setting up Rodriguez would give the Tigers an extremely dangerous bullpen to throw at opposing hitters.