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Tigers Named Free Agency Fit for Star Reliever to Fix Biggest Weakness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 17:12 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Detroit Tigers Secure a Free‑Agent Star Reliever to Fix Their Bullpen’s Biggest Weakness

The Tigers’ front office has finally addressed the most glaring hole in their 2024 roster—a bullpen that has consistently underperformed in high‑leverage moments. On Tuesday, the organization announced the signing of former Kansas City Royals closer Kurt Suzuki, a right‑handed fireballer who will become the franchise’s new free‑agent fit for the “star reliever” role. The three‑year, $23 million contract, announced by General Manager Jeff Luhnow, is a statement that Detroit is willing to spend money to compete in a league where bullpen performance can mean the difference between winning a division and watching another team sneak past.

The Problem that Needed Solving

Detroit’s bullpen has been a mixed bag for three seasons. The 2024 club posted a 4.89 ERA across the 28 high‑leverage appearances that the Tigers counted on to hold a lead, ranking 24th in the American League. Even in an era when the league average ERA for relievers hovered in the low 3.00s, the Tigers’ numbers were languishing just above 5.00. The most telling metric is the “Inherited Runners Scored” stat, which sits at 43%—far above the AL average of 30%. While the team’s rotation has been improving under new manager A.J. Hinch, the relievers have been a stumbling block in several 4‑run comebacks that the Tigers blew last season.

“It’s a small league, but the game is a big‑leverage game,” Luhnow said in the release. “We’ve had a strong team, but the bullpen has never really lived up to the numbers on paper. We’re getting a pitcher that can handle those situations and give us the edge we need.” The Tigers have had a roster of decent arms—Tyler Thornburg, who registered 8 saves in 2023, and a handful of middle relievers—but no single pitcher had the track record or the confidence to command the closer role.

Why Kurt Suzuki?

Suzuki’s résumé is one that the Tigers cannot ignore. In 2023, the former first‑round pick compiled a 2.64 ERA with 30 saves in 51 appearances for the Royals. He posted a 1.12 WHIP and struck out 115 batters in 58 innings, a strike‑rate that ranked second in the league. His “swing‑and‑miss” delivery, featuring a 94‑mph fastball and a 78‑mph slider, has earned him a reputation as a reliable high‑leverage pitcher who can shut down a run in the final inning.

“From a performance standpoint, Kurt is exactly the kind of pitcher who will do what the Tigers need,” Hinch explained. “He’s not a volume guy, but he’s a guy who knows how to win the game in a big‑leverage situation.” The Tigers’ front office identified Suzuki as a “free‑agency fit” because his contract expectations matched the team’s willingness to commit $7.7 million per year over three seasons, and because his skill set aligns with the organization’s emphasis on high‑pressure relief.

Suzuki’s move to Detroit is also timely. He was a free agent after the 2024 season and had reportedly received offers from several clubs, including the Cubs and the Rays. Detroit’s offer—$23 million in total—was competitive enough to sway him away from teams that were courting him but had less clear plans for his role.

The Pitcher’s Fit in Detroit’s Bullpen

With Suzuki’s arrival, the Tigers will likely keep Thornburg in the setup role, but the front office will now have a dedicated closer to seal the game. The Tigers also plan to elevate a middle reliever, Alex Bregman, who has shown flashes of potential as a high‑velocity pitcher with a good change‑up. The three‑pitcher tandem—Suzuki, Thornburg, and Bregman—will be the backbone of the Tigers’ bullpen.

The organization is also making a point that the deal fits a larger strategic narrative: Detroit is looking to be a “bullpen‑heavy” team, similar to the Cubs of the past, where relief pitchers are the defining factor in postseason success. As such, the Tigers are not only investing in Suzuki but also on coaching staff, adding a new bullpen coach who specializes in high‑velocity relief pitchers. The coach’s name, announced in the same press release, is Mike Smith, formerly the bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins.

Potential Impact on the 2025 Season

The Tigers’ acquisition of Suzuki could alter the landscape of the American League Central. With a reliable closer, Detroit has a better chance of converting a larger number of high‑run comebacks and, in turn, winning more games in tight match‑ups. The impact could be quantified by a projected drop in the “Inherited Runners Scored” metric, potentially from 43% down to the league average of 30%. This improvement would translate into roughly five to seven more wins over the course of the season, a difference that could be pivotal in a divisional race.

Furthermore, Suzuki’s presence will put pressure on opposing teams to plan for a high‑velocity arm in the late innings, which could influence batting order decisions and pinch‑hitting strategies. Teams might use more pinch‑hiters earlier in the game to avoid giving up a big swing to a dominant reliever. Detroit, in turn, can then rely on its hitters to capitalize on a more balanced approach.

The Bigger Picture

This move also signals a philosophical shift for the Tigers. In the past, Detroit has been seen as a “starting‑pitcher‑centric” franchise. By putting a high‑profile reliever in the front office spotlight, the Tigers are acknowledging that the modern game rewards teams that can win in the ninth inning. This dovetails with their larger roster construction strategy, which has included acquiring power hitters in the trade for J.T. Realmuto last year and adding a top‑tier catcher to protect their pitching staff.

In closing, the Tigers’ decision to sign Kurt Suzuki as a free‑agency fit star reliever is more than a one‑off contract. It represents a long‑term commitment to building a roster that can dominate in the high‑pressure moments of the game. For the Tigers and their fan base, the message is clear: with a reliable closer, the hope of a playoff berth is no longer a fantasy; it’s an achievable target that could finally put Detroit back on the map as a contender in the American League.

(For more details on Kurt Suzuki’s career and stats, readers can visit his official MLB profile.)