Tigers Sign Veteran Reliever; Posted 2.25 ERA Last Season

Off the open market.

The Detroit Tigers have signed free agent reliever Matt Wisler to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.

Wisler was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays last September. He surprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed and refused his outright assignment to Triple-A Durham, instead electing free agency.

Last season, Wisler posted a fantastic 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over 44 innings of work, so it's quite surprising that he's only landing a contract now.

Matt Wisler since joining the Rays (14.2 IP & 54 TBF): #RaysUp

0.61 ERA

2.83 FIP

3.00 xFIP

.225 wOBA

31.5% K-BB%

.157/.204/.314pic.twitter.com/tZB9qCrGUN

— MLBdream (@MLBdream) July 20, 2021

The thirty-year-old, a veteran of eight seasons in the majors, has spent time with seven different teams over his career, the most coming with the Atlanta Braves (2015-18). 

For his career, Wisler holds a 4.59 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 436 strikeouts over 507 innings.

With the lack of options in the Tigers' bullpen, Wisler should easily make the Opening Day roster.

He is a former seventh-round pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2011 MLB Draft.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports