Detroit Tigers: Christian Bethancourt, Edgar Olmos would make for versatile depth pieces

Edgar Olmos

Teams can never have enough bullpen depth, especially when said depth happens to be left-handed.

This is especially true of the Detroit Tigers, who don’t have much in the way of options where southpaw relievers are concerned.

Daniel Stumpf is perhaps the most established option in the bullpen, but he was far from perfect (4.49 FIP, 4.70 xFIP and a 9.4% walk rate) in 37.2 innings last season.

There’s also Blaine Hardy, who struggled mightily in 2017.

The generally dependable reliever posted a 5.94 ERA, a 5.38 FIP and a 5.37 xFIP—not to mention a -0.2 fWAR—in 33.1 frames for the Tigers last season.

Other than Stumpf and Hardy, Detroit has Jairo Labourt and his six career Major League innings as well as swingman Chad Bell (5.47 FIP, 1.80 WHIP in 62.1 innings).

Ideally, Labourt will adjust to Major League hitters and take up a prominent role in Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen.

However, even if he does, some more depth would certainly help.

Left-handed bullpen help

Adding Olmos would certainly help in that regard.

The 27-year-old southpaw functioned as a swingman himself for Boston’s Triple-A affiliate in 2017, making 29 total appearances.

In those 29 appearances, Olmos made six starts while also recording four saves in 87.1 innings.

The former Mariner and Marlin also pitched to a 2.68 ERA, a 3.84 FIP and a 3.99 xFIP to go along with 7.94 strikeouts per nine innings and a 1.15 WHIP.

Next: You'll want the Tigers to sign this free agent outfielder

His ability to pitch in multiple roles makes him an ideal potential depth piece.