Tigers fans can't ignore 2 other dominant relievers as Will Vest struggles early in 2026

Coming into the 2026 season, it was expected that the Detroit Tigers would have a really strong bullpen. That’s been the case so far, as the team has one of the lowest team bullpen ERA’s in MLB, though there has been some concern about the troubling start for Will Vest.

While Vest has not been at his best, Tigers fans cannot ignore the fact that Kyle Finnegan and Tyler Holton have been absolutely dominant thus far.

There are plenty of bright spots in Detroit's bullpen despite Will Vest's struggles

Vest has been solid and reliable since 2022 with Detroit so his early numbers in the year are cause for at least a little concern. He has a 6.75 ERA in 6 2/3 innings of work but has really only had two bad outings. He gave up three earned runs on March 31 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and gave up two earned runs in an appearance last week against the Minnesota Twins.

Outside of that, he’s been his typical self and had a nice outing on April 14 against the Kansas City Royals in which he struck out the side.

While Vest has had some uncharacteristic outings this year, both Finnegan and Holton have turned some heads. Finnegan’s journeyman story is inspiring and the Tigers were wise to acquire him in a trade with the Washington Nationals last season.

He had a 1.50 ERA in 16 appearances with the Tigers last season and has carried that dominance over into 2026. The 34-year-old has yet to allow a run in eight innings of work this season. He’s struck out only three batters, but he’s getting guys out. Detroit could really use that sort of dominance this season from the veteran especially if Vest’s early struggles portend a rough year overall. 

Holton has been similarly impressive. The lefty gave up his first run of the season on Thursday in a win, but prior to that he was looking really good. He has a 1.23 ERA on the season and is looking like the guy who put up a 2.11 ERA in 2023 and 2.19 ERA in 2024.

It’s worth mentioning that closer Kenley Jansen has also been his usual, reliable self so far. He has a 1.93 ERA in six appearances and has converted four of his five save opportunities.

Detroit’s bullpen has been pretty much as advertised outside of Vest so far. Assuming he figures it out at some point, the Tigers could have a really formidable relief corps this season. 

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