The Detroit Tigers are bolstering their relief pitching as they prepare for the upcoming season. Reports indicate that the team has signed veteran pitcher Kenley Jansen to a one-year contract worth $11 million, pending a physical examination. This contract also includes a club option, providing the Tigers with flexibility moving forward.
Jansen, 38, previously played for the Los Angeles Angels, where he delivered an impressive performance with 29 saves, ranking him tied for ninth place in Major League Baseball. His addition marks the second move the Tigers have made in the bullpen this offseason, following the re-signing of Kyle Finnegan to a two-year deal during the winter meetings. Finnegan, a Detroit native, was a solid contributor upon his acquisition from the Washington Nationals, finishing with a stellar 1.50 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP alongside four saves in 16 games.
In addition to these signings, the Tigers traded rookie right-handed reliever Chase Lee to the Toronto Blue Jays, a necessary move to clear space on the 40-man roster for Finnegan. Lee, who is 27 years old, recorded a 4.10 ERA with 36 strikeouts and a 4-1 record during the 2025 season. The Tigers acquired 24-year-old left-hander Johan Simon in return for Lee, signaling a strategic shift for the team as they navigate roster changes.
The Tigers are coming off a season where they finished 87–75, narrowly missing a deeper playoff run after being eliminated by the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series. The enhancements to their bullpen are crucial for the Tigers, especially as speculation continues regarding the future of star pitcher Tarik Skubal. The 29-year-old, who has earned back-to-back Cy Young Awards, posted a remarkable 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts with a 13-6 record in 31 starts last season. With his contract set to expire after the 2026 season, many contenders could be eyeing Skubal as a potential trade target this winter.
The Tigers’ proactive approach in strengthening their roster positions them for a competitive season ahead.