3 possible moves remaining this offseason for the Detroit Tigers

2. The Detroit Tigers re-sign LHP Andrew Chafin

Chafin was initially signed to a two-year deal last offseason but he'd ultimately opt out of his final year to test the free agent market following another rock-solid year: 64 games, 57.1 innings, 67 strikeouts, and a 2.83 ERA.

It was smart for Chafin to opt out of his contract when comparing his season and some of the free agent deals that have gone to relievers recently, but midway through January, things are quiet relating to his market. There are more competitive fits on paper for Chafin, but The Sherriff hardly follows any type of conventional thinking. A large factor for Chafin signing in Detroit in the first place was the proximity to his home in Ohio; a box that can still be checked for the Tigers and him.

Harris had mentioned they intended to keep in contact with Chafin's camp following the word of his opt-out, but it remains unclear how they envision the bullpen construction in 2023. Alex Lange, Will Vest, Jason Foley, and Jose Cisnero will all occupy parts of the back end to some capacity; with former starters likely seating the front: some combination of Rony Garcia, Beau Brieske, Tyler Alexander, Joey Wentz, Alex Faedo, and new Rule 5 man Mason Englert.

Chafin would supply a veteran presence and more predictability while also giving them a legitimate lefty specialist. While Alexander is a left-handed pitcher, too, he's likely to remain in his usual mop-up role. It's also worth mentioning that the Tigers did sign lefty Chasen Shreve to a minor league contract in response to Soto's departure and Harris foreshadowed the acquisition by stating they were working on getting a lefty they liked. How much they like Shreve, 32, may play a factor in bringing back Chafin.