Tigers reunite with Chafin on minor-league deal
The Detroit Tigers brought a familiar face into camp, as they've reunited with veteran left-hander Andrew Chafin on a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training.
If he makes the team, Chafin will earn a salary of $2.5 million in 2025, a source told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. His deal also includes up to $1.5 million worth of incentives and a $250,000 assignment bonus if traded.
This marks Chafin's third tour of duty with the Tigers organization. He spent the 2022 season in Detroit and then returned for another 41 appearances last summer before being dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
Chafin put up a 3.51 ERA, 3.54 FIP, and 1.47 WHIP along with 70 strikeouts, 31 walks, and one save across 56 1/3 total innings split between the Tigers and Rangers last season. He pitched far better before the trade (3.16 ERA), with his 4.19 ERA in Texas more than a full run higher.
He'll now compete to regain a spot in Detroit's bullpen as an additional left-handed option alongside Tyler Holton. Other southpaws vying for spots this spring include Sean Guenther, Brant Hurter, Dietrich Enns, and Matt Gage.
The 34-year-old owns a 3.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 9.8 K/9 across 601 big-league appearances with six teams.