September 19, 2025
Detroit tigers news
Why the Detroit Tigers Need a Bullpen – and Who They Are
The Detroit Tigers are in the thick of their rebuild-to-contender journey, but one weakness continues to hold them back — the bullpen. While the starting rotation has shown flashes of dominance with Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, and Casey Mize leading the way, games too often slip away once the starters exit.
Why the Tigers Need a Bullpen
The Tigers’ bullpen has been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. Depth has been tested all season, and manager A.J. Hinch has been forced to mix and match in critical moments. Close leads frequently turn into late-inning heartbreaks, frustrating fans and raising questions about whether Detroit can make a serious playoff push without reinforcements.
Without stability in the bullpen, the Tigers struggle to close out games. The lack of a consistent shutdown closer or reliable middle relievers has left Hinch short on trustworthy options. For a team trying to climb into contention in the American League Central, a dependable bullpen is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Who the Tigers’ Bullpen Arms Are
Despite the struggles, the Tigers do have pieces to build around. Among the key bullpen pitchers this season:
- Jason Foley – A hard-throwing right-hander who has been one of the more reliable options, often used in late innings.
- Will Vest – A versatile reliever who can handle multiple roles, though consistency has been an issue.
- Alex Faedo – Former starter turned reliever, working to find stability in shorter outings.
- Tyler Holton – A left-handed option often called upon in middle innings.
- Beau Brieske – Another young arm with potential, still developing into a steady reliever.
Earlier acquisitions like Paul Sewald and Kyle Finnegan were expected to provide veteran leadership, but both have battled injuries, leaving Hinch scrambling for answers.
The Bigger Picture
If the Tigers want to make a real postseason push, improving the bullpen is essential. Whether through offseason signings, trade deadline deals, or internal development, Detroit’s front office must address this glaring weakness. Fans have seen the rotation grow into one of the team’s greatest strengths — but until the bullpen matches that level, the Tigers will continue to struggle in tight games.
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