DETROIT — The Tigers have agreed to a deal with left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin, multiple sources briefed on the negotiations confirmed Sunday.
Chafin’s agreement is pending a physical and is expected to become official early next week.
The contract reuniting Chafin and the Tigers includes a base salary of $4.25 million in 2024. There is also a $6.5 million club option for 2025 and additional incentives for both seasons.
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In signing Chafin, the Tigers check another box off their offseason to-do list, adding an established left-handed reliever to what could be a strong bullpen next season. Chafin will join lefty Tyler Holton — who had a 2.11 ERA in 2023 — as the top two left-handed options in Detroit’s pen.
Chafin made a positive impact when he last played for the Tigers in 2022, posting a 2.83 ERA as a reliever. Chafin, who expressed happiness playing in Detroit multiple times because of its proximity to his farm in Massillon, Ohio, ultimately opted out of a two-year contract and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks last offseason. With the Diamondbacks and Brewers in 2023, Chafin went through a down year. He had a 4.73 ERA, his highest in any season in which he logged more than 50 innings. The biggest culprit behind Chafin’s struggles was a decrease in strike-throwing. His 4.9 BB/9 marked the highest walk rate of his career. The pitcher best known for his sinker-slider combo still struck out 11 batters per nine innings and ranked in the 88th percentile in terms of average exit velocity, keeping opposing hitters to an average of only 86.8 mph off the bat.
The last time Chafin signed with the Tigers, he showed up to meet reporters sipping from a can of Mug root beer and wearing camouflage Crocs. A light-hearted and well-liked clubhouse presence, Chafin is now 33 and must prove his durable reputation can hold up as he ages.
Scott Harris, the Tigers’ president of baseball operations, hinted at searching for a left-handed reliever this past week at the Winter Meetings.
“I think we have some opportunity to add to our pen if we find the right piece,” Harris said. “And if we don’t, we still have Tyler Holton, who is really helpful.”
Clearly, the Tigers viewed Chafin (who made $6.5 million the last time he was with the Tigers) as the right piece at the right price.
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And after already trading for outfielder Mark Canha and signing right-hander starter Kenta Maeda, the Tigers’ continue to cross off their most pressing needs early in the offseason calendar. Detroit could still be in the market for another starting pitcher, but much of the Tigers’ most obvious work is now done.
(Top photo: Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports)
