Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
In sharp contrast to recent years, the Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen has been a pleasant surprise this season, posting a 2.73 ERA which currently ranks third in the American League. That said, there are still a few question marks.
For example, Al Alburquerque did not get off to the best start, and there are some who are still not sold on Joba Chamberlain being the eighth-inning guy. Plus, although the hard-throwing Bruce Rondon is currently rehabbing in Triple-A Toledo, it is going to be very interesting to see what he is able to give the Tigers upon returning to MLB action for the first time since 2013.
If the bullpen starts to falter, one option that the Tigers may be able to consider is trading for Joaquin Benoit. The now 37-year-old Benoit had three very solid seasons in Detroit from 2011-13, serving as both a setup man and a closer. After he left as a free agent for the San Diego Padres, he also was rumored to be a trade target of the Tigers last summer before they ultimately settled on Joakim Soria.
After going 4-2 with a 1.49 ERA and an 0.77 WHIP while saving 11 games last season, Benoit appeared the obvious choice to be the Padres’ full-time closer prior to the blockbuster acquisition of Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. from the Atlanta Braves. Although he battled a “dead arm” earlier in the year, Benoit has continued doing nice work in his familiar setup role, going 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP over 20 innings of work. It is worth noting, however, that he does have an elevated 4.52 FIP.
Despite all of their offseason acquisitions, the Padres are currently in third place in the NL West with a record of 23-25, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by six games. Although it is still only May, the Tigers may be wise to keep Benoit in the back of their mind if the Padres decide to become sellers by the time the non-waiver trade deadline rolls around. He could be an excellent setup man for Soria.
Brad Faber is a Senior Writer and Sabermetrics Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.
