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Tigers’ Bullpen Isn’t Built for October Without a Deadline Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 2:12 PM ET

The Tigers might have a grip on the AL Central, but that’s not the goal. In the next few weeks, the Tigers' front office has to build this roster into one that can win in the playoffs. That starts with adding to the bullpen, according to The Athletic.

Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle have done their part, anchoring the late innings with efficiency and toughness. And to Detroit’s credit, the bullpen as a whole has held its own despite lacking big names or defined roles. But the Tigers rank 26th in strikeout rate. That’s a huge red flag heading into the postseason. The Tigers’ current group has gotten by on pitchability and execution.

Now, the front office needs to go out and add some swing-and-miss.

There are arms out there who will be available.

The Cardinals are expected to deal at least one veteran reliever. The Pirates might package All-Star closer David Bednar with Dennis Santana, and Miami has multiple bullpen pieces in Ronny Henriquez, Anthony Bender and Cade Gibson drawing interest from contenders. The Red Sox might be willing to flip Aroldis Chapman, who is still pumping in 100-mile-an-hour fastballs and has World Series experience.

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks is another name to watch. He’s playoff-tested and brings the kind of strikeout stuff Detroit needs. But there’s a wrinkle—Fairbanks has a condition that causes him to lose feeling in his fingers in cold weather. That’s less than ideal for a potential Game 3 in Detroit in late October.

The Tigers don’t need a full bullpen makeover. They just need another dimension. They need a late-inning, high-leverage arm with swing-and-miss stuff.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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