Tigers to reunite with veteran lefty reliever

The Tigers are said to have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin on a one-year deal, including a club option for the 2025 season, as reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. According to Petzold, the contract involves a base salary of $4.25 million in 2024, potentially increasing to $6.5 million with performance incentives. The club option, valued at $6.5 million, could reach $7.75 million with incentives and carries a $500,000 buyout, bringing the total guaranteed amount of the contract to $4.75 million.

This marks a reunion for the experienced left-handed pitcher, who appeared in 64 games with the Tigers in 2022. Chafin, who turns 34 in June, was a first-round pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2011 draft and made his MLB debut in 2014. He spent six and a half seasons with the Diamondbacks, establishing himself as a reliable left-handed middle relief option with a 3.74 ERA in 306 innings before being traded to the Cubs in 2020. During his time in Arizona, Chafin boasted a 25.8% strikeout rate and consistently recorded groundball rates exceeding 50%.

In 2020, Chafin's season was limited to just 9 2/3 innings due to injuries, but the Cubs retained him for the 2021 season. That year proved to be a breakout season for Chafin, as he excelled in 43 appearances with the Cubs, serving as a key set-up man alongside Craig Kimbrel and Ryan Tepera. Chafin played a pivotal role in the Cubs' combined no-hitter against the Dodgers, contributing to his impressive 2.06 ERA and 2.69 FIP in 2021. A midseason trade to Oakland further showcased his abilities, resulting in a remarkable 1.53 ERA over 29 1/3 innings.

Chafin's outstanding 2021 campaign earned him a two-year contract with the Tigers, including an opt-out clause after the first year. While not replicating the dominance of 2021, Chafin delivered strong performances for the Tigers in 2022, recording a 2.83 ERA and 3.06 FIP across 57 1/3 innings. His strikeout rate increased to 27.6%, and he induced grounders 51.3% of the time. Despite these positive contributions, Chafin opted out of the final year and $6.5 million of his contract with the Tigers last offseason.

However, his subsequent decision to sign with the Diamondbacks for $6.25 million guaranteed in 2023 did not yield favorable results. Chafin struggled with a 4.73 ERA and 4.01 FIP over 51 1/3 innings split between the Diamondbacks and Brewers. While his strikeout rate remained impressive at 28.1%, his groundball rate dropped to 38.5%, and he walked a career-high 12.5% of batters faced.

Despite Chafin's challenges in the 2023 season, the Tigers' signing of the veteran left-hander could prove beneficial, particularly if he can address issues with walks and rediscover his previous proficiency in inducing groundballs.