Detroit Tigers: 3 non-roster invitees who could sneak their way on to the 2024 Opening Day roster

Trey Wingenter

Scott Harris made some decent additions to the bullpen this offseason with Andrew Chafin and Shelby Miller. However, both of those guys are on cheap one-year deals, so nothing is really guarenteed there.

This gives some minor-league signings a chance to make a name for themselves this spring. One of those guys is Trey Wingenter, who got some time with the Tigers last season.

Wingenter had a 5.82 ERA in 17 appearances last season. It is worth nothing that he had an expected ERA of 3.87 and a FIP of 3.96. He also had an 11.65 K/9.

The biggest issue for Wingenter has been throwing strikes and health. If you recall, he blew a save early last season in Toronto against the Blue Jays because he couldn't find the strike zone. He also missed significant time last season with right shoulder tendonitis. He had Tommy John surgery back in 2020, and has had a pair of back surgeries in his career. The guy has just been snakebitten by the injury bug.

However, he has the stuff to pitch in a big league bullpen. He's a classic fastball/slider guy, but throws in the high 90s, and that slider is wicked. He can be a nice weapon in that bullpen if he can just throw strikes.

Don't count out Trey Wingenter. This is a good, live arm. If Chris Fetter and company can get him to throw more strikes — and if can stay healthy — he wouldn't be a bad arm to have in the 'pen.