Andrew Chafin had one of the best seasons of his career with A.J. Hinch and the Tigers in 2022. He'll be back in 2024.
After agreeing to terms with Chafin last weekend, the Tigers officially signed the left-handed reliever Tuesday to a one-year, $4.25 million contract with a $6.5 million club option for 2025.
Chafin posted a 4.73 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings last season with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. He shook off some struggles in July and August and finished strong with a 1.69 ERA in September and October, which surely appealed to the Tigers.
"He does a few things for us," Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said. "First, he strengthens the backend of our bullpen. Second, adds another left-handed reliever that A.J. can use to match up at any time during the game. And third, his presence in our ‘pen frees up A.J. to use Tyler Holton in a variety of roles. ... Tyler has demonstrated his versatility and I think just giving A.J. options strengthens our team."
Detroit returns Holton, Jason Foley, Alex Lange and Will Vest in a bullpen that finished in the middle of the pack last season. If Chafin can recover his 2022 form, when he posted a 2.83 ERA in 64 games with the Tigers, he and Holton could comprise a strong left-handed relief duo. Holton was one of the top relievers in the majors last season as a rookie.
"Reflecting on where we are as an organization, I think our left-handed relief corps has a chance to emerge as a strength for us next year. And we have a manager that we trust to use those guys effectively on the path to a win," said Harris. "So (Chafin) fits this group really well, he knows this group really well and expect him to hit the ground running here."
Known as Big Country for the 200-acre farm that he owns in Ohio where he lives with his wife and three children in the offseason, Chafin was well-liked in his first stop in Detroit. He'll be welcomed back with open arms.
"He brings a lot of presence, a lot of energy, a lot of wit and he’s very popular with the other guys on our team," said Harris. "So I know for a fact that guys were excited to have him back."
Chafin can increase his base salary by up to $1.25 million each of the next two seasons by hitting bonuses for games pitched: 125,000 for 50 games, $250,000 each for 55 and 60 games, $300,000 for 65 games and $325,000 for 70 games. The 33-year-old has pitched in at least 60 games each of his last six seasons.
Chafin's contract also comes with a $500,000 buyout if his 2025 option isn't exercised.