This Dodgers reliever could be the answer to Tigers' bullpen woes if Detroit can tempt him away

Scott Harris has all but confirmed that the Tigers won't be doing any big shopping this offseason, so fans who are still holding out hope that Detroit might become surprise players for guys like Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki can keep dreaming.

This isn't to say that the Tigers won't spend at all but, as it always goes with Harris, free agents will only be added if he truly believes they bring something that an internal option can't.

There are certainly areas of need on Detroit's roster, starting with the bullpen. While Harris has alluded to developing Drew Sommers as a future closer, and minor league starters being converted into major league relievers, if there's any area where a substantial amount of money might be spent, it's the bullpen.

The Dodgers are losing one of their key arms in free agency this offseason. Alex Vesia posted a 2.64 ERA in 58 innings this year, and has been one of LA's most consistent arms since 2024.

Although he's already (unsurprisingly) expressed an interest in going back to LA, the Tigers could and should consider giving him an offer that might tempt him away.

Tigers should consider adding Dodgers lefty Alex Vesia as part of a much-needed bullpen rebuild

In Vesia, the Tigers would be getting a pitcher with a more consistent track record than Kyle Finnegan did when he came over via trade, a great slider, and an elite strikeout rate that the Tigers' pen is desperately missing. The Dodgers have used him mostly as a sixth-through-eighth inning guy, which they also need if Finnegan continues to struggle and Will Vest is slow to come back from two separate surgeries.

Walks are an issue, but he tends to work himself out of jams more often than not. He has a career .184 batting average against and .601 OPS against in high leverage situations.

It would be a tough sell, to be certain. Of course Vesia wants to go back to LA — basically every player does. If they want him back, he might even be willing to take less money to do so.

But that shouldn't keep the Tigers from at least making the attempt. Vesia could be one of the more expensive arms on the market, but relievers are still the most affordable part of any major league roster. This guy has everything they like and need, along with a proven track record of consistency, so they would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't at least try to make an inroad there.

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