The Detroit Tigers have never had a strong bullpen. But that has not been the case in 2022. The team’s bullpen has been a strength and has unfortunately gone underappreciated.

Let’s look at the arms the Detroit Tigers can build their bullpen around in the future. We will even look at some prospects who could project in the bullpen.

The Detroit Tigers bullpen is Elite. Another shutout performance. Zero hits allowed in 4 innings of work.

Somehow this team is winning games scoring only 3 runs. Unbelievable. #DetroitRoots

— Adham Beydoun (@AdhamBeydoun) June 2, 2022

A Deep Dive

1. Gregory Soto: 57.0 IP, 3.32 ERA, 3.52 FIP, 116 ERA+

2. Alex Lange: 58.2 IP, 3.68 ERA, 3.24 FIP, 105 ERA+

3. Joe Jimenez: 56.2 IP, 3.49 ERA, 2.01 FIP, 110 ERA+

4. Jason Foley: 56.2 IP, 3.65 ERA, 2.80 FIP, 106 ERA+

5. Andrew Chafin: 52.2 IP, 2.91 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 133 ERA+

6. Will Vest: 60.1 IP, 3.58 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 108 ERA+

7. Jose Cisnero: 20.1 IP, 1.33 ERA, 3.95 FIP, 294 ERA+

Other than veterans Jose Cisnero and Andrew Chafin, all these relievers are under 28 years old. They all are cheap and have club control. It’s looking like the new President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris may not have to change the bullpen this offseason at first glance.

Coming Through the Ranks?

Game 1 belongs to the @erie_seawolves!

The @tigers No. 9 prospect per @MLBPipeline, Reese Olson, strikes out a franchise record nine batters in a playoff game to lead his team to a 9-3 victory. pic.twitter.com/SAUvbsiZpj

— Detroit Tigers Player Development (@RoadtoDetroit) September 21, 2022

One player who projects out of the bullpen in the future is Reese Olson. Acquired from the Brewers in exchange for Daniel Norris last season, Olson has been an underrated gem for the Tigers.

He has been solid as a starter for the SeaWolves, striking out 168 batters in just 119 innings pitched. His makeup and high strikeout rate make him a sensible fit as a reliever in the future. And with youngsters like Reese Olson on their way, the future of the Detroit Tigers bullpen looks bright.

Jon Kloss-Woodward Sports

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports