
The bullpen
The Detroit Tigers have at least some certainty in the rotation with Fulmer and potentially Boyd and Norris, who showed well at times last season.
The bullpen is a different story.
Shane Greene may or may not be traded. If he’s not moved, the reliever will open 2018 as Detroit’s closer.
Outside of him, setup reliever Alex Wilson—another conceivable trade chip—and Daniel Stumpf, the bullpen is full of unproven hurlers.
In theory, the group could be good if some combination of Joe Jimenez, Jairo Labourt, Bryan Garcia, Zac Reininger, Victor Alcantara, Mark Ecker and Adam Ravenelle hit the ground running early next season.
However, that’s far from a sure thing, as all have little to no experience in the Majors.
Outside of the few established options and a host of young hurlers, Detroit’s other internal options comprise a less-than-inspiring list.
Said list includes Kyle Ryan, Jeff Ferrell, Blaine Hardy, Bell, Warwick Saupold and Drew VerHagen.
Regardless of whether Greene or Wilson is moved this offseason, Detroit may find it prudent to add a veteran reliever or two via free agency.
In theory, these additions would help ease the pressure on Jimenez, Labourt and others.
Some hypothetical fits include Luke Gregerson, Matt Albers, Tyler Clippard, Kevin Siegrist and Fernando Abad.