Detroit Tigers success in 2017 fueled by under-the-radar acquisitions

Over in the Bullpen

Justin Wilson—whose acquisition was very much overshadowed by the Francisco Rodriguez trade—has been excellent this season.

Eventually replacing Rodriguez as Detroit’s closer, Wilson owns a 0.6 WAR and a 1.86 xFIP in 18 innings. Not only is the southpaw limiting runs, he’s also missing bats at a significant rate.

In 19 games, the former Pirate’s strikeout rate sits at 45.5. He’s also punched out an impressive 15 batters per nine innings, while surrendering just 2.50 walks per nine frames.

Blaine Hardy, a minor-league signing in 2013, has also provided the Tigers with steady innings out of the bullpen.

The Washington native has struck out 11 in 12.1 innings, compared to just two walks. He’s pitched to a 2.99 ERA and a 3.45 FIP in 138.1 career innings for Detroit.

In Conclusion

Moving forward, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see more under-the-radar acquisitions take center stage for the Detroit Tigers.

General manager Al Avila spent the offseason accumulating depth to stash in the upper levels of the minors.

The likes of Arcenio Leon, Efren Navarro, Ruben Alaniz and Alex Presley could also conceivably suit up for Detroit this season.

It isn’t a surefire things that any of the group will have the impact that Adduci or Hicks have had, but Detroit does have the depth to call on if need be.