yahoo
DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers made a series of roster moves on Friday, headlined by the decision to exercise a $10 million team option on right-handed pitcher Drew Anderson for the 2027 season. The club also declined a $12 million option on reliever Kenley Jansen, opting instead to pay a $2 million buyout.
In a separate transaction, the Tigers signed relief pitcher Jacob Waguespack to a one-year major league contract worth $1.3 million for 2027. Waguespack, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on Thursday, November 5, can earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. The incentives include $25,000 each for reaching 45 and 50 innings pitched, and $50,000 apiece for reaching 55, 60, and 65 innings pitched.
Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in a cash deal on June 10 last season, Waguespack quickly became one of manager AJ Hinch's most reliable arms out of the bullpen. He posted a 2.49 ERA and a 0.915 WHIP over 47 innings in 35 appearances.
Anderson, 32, began the 2026 campaign in the Tigers' bullpen but finished the year in the starting rotation, recording a 2.61 ERA and a 1.2 WHIP in 11 starts. He is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation for 2027.
The Tigers also activated seven players from the 60-day injured list: reliever Will Vest, starter Reese Olson, shortstop Trey Sweeney, and outfielders Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez, and Matt Vierling.
To clear space on the 40-man roster, the team removed four players. Pitchers Bailey Horn and Sawyer Gipson-Long were placed on unconditional release waivers, outfielder Corey Julks was outrighted and is now a free agent, and pitcher Yilber Dias was designated for assignment. The Tigers' 40-man roster now stands at 40 players.
Key Analysis
The Tigers' decision to exercise Anderson's option reflects their confidence in his versatility, as he proved capable of contributing both as a reliever and a starter. Meanwhile, the move to decline Jansen's option saves the club $10 million, which could be allocated elsewhere. Waguespack's new deal provides cost certainty for a key bullpen piece, and the performance bonuses offer upside for both parties. The activation of several players from the injured list should bolster the roster depth heading into the offseason.
Originally reported by yahoo.