Tigers could take closer by committee to another level

Utilizing a closer by committee is not a unique approach. The Detroit Tigers may take that concept to another level in 2026.

The Tigers are set to enter the 2026 season with three pitchers who recorded at least 20 saves in 2025 — Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan and Will Vest. As manager A.J. Hinch has multiple options for the ninth inning, Jason Beck of MLB.com reported that the Tigers will put more emphasis on higher leverage situations than who is in line for the save.

Such a role would not be out of the ordinary for Finnegan or Vest. Finnegan had become a versatile weapon for the Tigers when he was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, recording the occasional save while working as a fireman. Vest had been a setup man before transitioning into the closer role last season, giving him plenty of experience in the middle to later innings.

Detroit Tigers bullpen may sort itself out regardless of set roles

If the Tigers focus more on matchups and leverage, history may need to wait for another year. Jansen is 24 saves away from becoming the third pitcher in MLB history to reach the 500-save plateau, joining Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. While he said that reaching that mark would be "a great accomplishment," Jansen also said that his focus is on winning a World Series in Detroit.

While the closer by committee concept works in theory, it rarely lasts an entire season. Performance, injuries and game situations tend to lead to one of those pitchers receiving the majority of the chances in the ninth inning. The same could happen with the Tigers, especially given Jansen's stature as one of the best closers in MLB history.

The Tigers are planning to use their trio of closers in a variety of high-leverage roles throughout the season. That may not be the case for long.