Analyzing the Tigers' bullpen options at this point in spring training

The Tigers don't have a ton of name value when it comes to bullpen options, but the group in place was surprisingly effective in 2024 and was a big reason why the team was able to push itself into a playoff spot with a huge run in the second half.

The group was led by righty Jason Foley, who stepped into the closer role and saved 28 games last year. He's gotten a bit unlucky this spring, having allowed 5 runs in 5.1 innings so far, but he's notched eight strikeouts and has yet to yield a walk. Foley should get a bunch of save opportunities in the early going, and if he's able to match or beat last year's 3.15 ERA he should hang onto the role for a while.

Lefty Tyler Holton is bound to get some save opportunities himself. Holton closed out eight games in 2024 and added 14 holds, posting a 2.19 ERA with a solid 3.17 FIP to match. Holton has looked good in his five outings so far this spring. Given that he's one of the few reliable options from the left side, he might come close to matching his career-high 94 1/3 innings pitched from 2024.

Beau Brieske is a bit of a wild card. He was solid in 2024, pitching to a 3.59 ERA with a matching 3.51 FIP and an above average 24.5% strikeout rate. He's looked rusty this spring, though. His job isn't in question, but if he can't knock that rust off in the early going, he could be relegated out of high-leverage duty before long.

Tigers' 2025 bullpen depth chart: Promising outlook for Detroit

The middle of the bullpen is a bit tricky. With Jackson Jobe potentially about to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, that most likely pushes Kenta Maeda back into the bullpen as a swing man. Maeda was rough last year but his 6.09 ERA was more than a full run worse than his FIP, so there might be some turnaround there. His 19 strikeouts in 12 2/3 spring innings suggest there's still something left in the tank.

Righty John Brebbia is a decent bounce back candidate, as he got a bit unlucky last year as well. He's been solid in limited time this spring, and given the Tigers' recent investment in him he'll stick around for a while in a low-leverage role. Likewise, lefty Brant Hurter should keep his job to start. He'd be the second lefty behind Holton, and is coming off a strong 2024 having pitched to a 2.58 ERA in 45 1/3 innings.

The pair of Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle are about as unassuming as it gets, but they've gotten the job done as of late. Vest has a 2.88 ERA over his last 118 2/3 innings while striking out more than a batter per inning. Kahnle has out-pitched his metrics a bit but he's been nails over the past two years. Both are locks to be part of the Opening Day bullpen, but it's unlikely either will pitch in the ninth inning with any real frequency.

The eighth and final spot is going to be a game-time decision. Andrew Chafin might be able to win the job but he's been a mixed bag this spring and isn't on the 40-man. Brenan Hanifee might be the leader in the clubhouse for the spot. He's yet to allow a run this spring and has struck out 7 batters in 7 1/3 innings. He's also coming off a 1.84 ERA in 29 1/3 innings in 2024. That forward momentum is going to help his case, for sure. Sean Guenther was excellent last year, pitching to an 0.86 ERA in 21 major league innings, but he was just optioned to Toledo and won't be in the mix to start the year.

Tigers' beat reporter Jason Beck recently suggested that Chafin would likely win the role, but based on performance he might not be the best option. However, Hanifee has a minor league option, whereas Chafin wouldn't. There's a case to be made that you'd keep Chafin around and save Hanifee and Guenther as depth options for when you inevitably need them. If you're asking us, Hanifee feels like the best option, but we'll have to wait and see how the Tigers handle it.