The Detroit Tigers bullpen was a disaster last season, so the team reportedly added some reinforcements Wednesday in the form of left-handed setup man Justin Wilson.
According to Jennifer Hammond of Fox 2 Sports Detroit, the Tigers acquired Wilson from the New York Yankees. MLB Roster Moves said Detroit gave New York right-handed pitchers Luis Cessa and Chad Green in the deal.
Wilson posted a 3.10 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 66 strikeouts in 61 innings for the Yankees last season. He also pitched three years for the Pittsburgh Pirates before New York landed him in a trade that sent catcher Francisco Cervelli Pittsburgh's way. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reflected on the combination of moves:
Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors.com praised the trade from Detroit’s perspective, saying, “In Wilson, the Tigers will receive the lefty setup man they’ve been seeking and do so at what should be an affordable rate. Wilson is controllable for three seasons via the arbitration process.”
Wilson is only 28 years old, which means the prime of his career could theoretically come in Detroit following this deal.
That is welcome news for the Tigers after their bullpen finished a dismal 27th in the league in bullpen ERA in 2015. That collective effort was one major reason they disappointed on the way to a 74-87 campaign and last-place finish in the American League Central.
As for the Yankees, MLB.com ranked Luis Cessa as Detroit’s sixth-best prospect and Green as its 19th-best prospect following the 2015 season.
New York also has closer Andrew Miller and two-time All-Star Dellin Betances in its bullpen still, although Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted the Bronx Bombers recently discussed Miller with the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Adams assumed Wednesday’s trade meant Chasen Shreve and Jacob Lindgren would be the primary southpaws in New York’s bullpen in 2016, barring any other moves.
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