Detroit Tigers probably won’t be this bad next season

The bullpen

If Shane Greene and Alex Wilson stay in the Motor City through the offseason, Detroit will enter with a sorted back end of the bullpen.

Based on talent alone, Detroit should also see the likes of Joe Jimenez, Jairo Labourt and Zac Reininger improve as they become more acclimated to Major League hitters.

Similar to the rotation, it also wouldn’t be a surprise to see a veteran added on a short-term deal.

Also similar to the rotation, the Tigers should be welcoming some prospect reinforcements.

Paul Voelker and 2016 draftees Bryan Garcia and Mark Ecker all reached the upper minors last season.

They could debut at some point next year, bringing a much needed influx of talent to a bullpen that currently ranks 25^th in walk percentage, 28^th in strikeouts per nine innings and last in the Majors in FIP, WHIP and SIERA.

The Detroit Tigers bullpen is also the only unit in the Majors this season with a cumulative WAR dipping into the negatives with a -0.8 mark.

Add in a veteran free agent signing or two, and Detroit should be in much better shape.

There’s also the possibility that the Tigers could convert a starter like Farmer or Lewicki to a relief role in an effort to replicate the success the team found with Greene.