Detroit Tigers: Predicting 2020 Opening Day roster

7 of 7

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 28: Joe Jimenez #77 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 28, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 7-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Bullpen: Shane Greene, Joe Jimenez, Daniel Stumpf, Jairo Labourt, Bryan Garcia, Zac Reininger, Jordan Zimmermann and Mark Ecker

The 2020 season (per Spotrac) will mark Shane Greene’s final season of controllability before he reaches free agency.

With so much team control left and some strong production (26.1 strikeout percentage, 3.67 FIP) this season, Greene could conceivably be dealt before 2020.

If he isn’t dealt, the right-hander will be pitching late in games. If he is dealt, pitchers like Paul Voelker, Jason Foley, Gerson Moreno and Adam Ravenelle are names to watch.

Should Greene be moved, Joe Jimenez would eventually close games.

Jimenez hasn’t had the smoothest start to his Major League career, with 28 hits, 25 runs (23 earned), eight walks and four home runs surrendered in just 16 innings pitched.

However, Jimenez is still only 22.

He has nothing left to prove in the minors, so he should get every chance to figure things out with the Detroit Tigers in the coming years.

Despite all the base runners and runs allowed, Jimenez’s ability to miss bats has been encouraging. Among current Tigers relievers with at least 10 innings, the 22-year-old leads the way with an 11.6 swinging strike percentage.

Next: These Tigers could leave town over the winter

Only the since-traded Justin Wilson (14.3%) and the since-demoted Bruce Rondon (12.2%) have logged higher numbers in the category.

Home/Detroit Tigers News