The Tigers have brought right-hander Wily Peralta back to the organization on a minor league contract, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports (via Twitter). He’ll compete for a roster spot in big league camp after a solid showing in Detroit last year. Peralta would earn a $2.5MM base salary if he makes the roster, per Petzold, with the opportunity to pick up another $500K worth of incentives.
Peralta, 32, had a strong return to the Majors last season after not pitching in the Majors in 2020 and logging a 5.80 ERA in 40 innings with Kansas City in 2019. The former Brewers hurler went from minor league signee to a regular member in the Detroit rotation, making 18 starts (plus one relief appearance) and pitching to a 3.07 ERA in 93 2/3 innings. The underlying metrics weren’t nearly as rosy, as Peralta posted a just a 14.4% strikeout rate against a 9.5% walk rate. He kept more than half his batted balls on the ground, but metrics like FIP (4.94) and SIERA (5.27) don’t paint an especially optimistic portrait.
That’s likely a large reason that, in spite of a glowing 2021 ERA, Peralta had to settle for a nonguaranteed contract in free agency. That said, while Peralta isn’t promised a roster spot, he ought to have a decent chance at making the roster after making a good impression on the organization last year.
The Tigers’ Opening Day rotation figures to included Eduardo Rodriguez, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal, but things are less certain thereafter. Righty Matt Manning, a longtime top prospect, was hit hard in his MLB debut last year but will still have a chance to win a spot. Prospects Joey Wentz and Alex Faedo could eventually be options, but both are returning from Tommy John surgery.
It’s quite possible that the Tigers will add another veteran starter to join the ranks, thus pushing Peralta and Manning into a competition for the fifth spot on the staff. For the time being, Peralta seemingly has a better chance at cracking the roster than your average non-roster player in Spring Training.
Man, I keep refreshing to see where Freddie will sign. Hurry up already.
As always, we await developments.
Dodgers……probably
Finally, the big move of the day.
Is that all from Avila. ..!?
Knowing him and Illitch, probably
They got Chafin today too. One of the better lefty relievers lately.
Is that all? Come on, wake up. Two major free agent signings to huge long term contracts. Traded for a catcher and then picked up his option. Just signed a reliever to a two year contract. That is more moves then the last five years combined almost. They have spent more money this off-season then about every team in baseball. Be a realist. Not easy to get players to come to Detroit. Be happy with what they have done already then complaining.
Tiger fans just love to show they’re disregard for Avila and for Chris. It’s gonna take time coming out of a complete teardown/rebuild but fans have to realize the Tigers are on the right track.
I was hoping the Tigers would bring him back for another year… a nice move.
I liked him last year, would have preferred a bigger name starter but I’m not angry with the move
Agree, but the terms have to make sense. Peralta for $2.5 mill. is a nice pickup.
You really need seven starters, including MLB-ready ones in AAA. You never know when there will be injuries or ineffectiveness. The Tigers seven would be E-Rod, Mize, Skubal, Manning, Alexander, now Peralta, and…Wentz? The top three seem solid, but the remaining four could use some improvement. I’d rather keep Alexander as a swing man, and Wentz should face AAA pitching rather than be rushed to Detroit.
They resigned Hutchinson too. He was decent last year in spot starts
True, Wentz isn’t ready right now, but he might be by the time he’s needed. Let’s hope the rotation stays healthy, at least for a few months.
I don’t really expect any more big free-agent signings for the tigers, they seem fairly well set for the season. Maybe a small trade or two, at the most.
Always been a Reyes fan, but I would rather have Hill as the 4 th outfielder. Maybe a minor “change of scenery” trade of one of Reyes or Cameron. Haas & Castro’s ability to play outfield makes them expendable
I agree… keep Hill and unload Reyes or Cameron… possibly pick up a decent middle reliever. They could also trade one or both of the Castros. They have other options for utility infielders.
Seriously, expect a nice up tick in offense from Reyes this year. They changed his stance to be more upright in the 2nd half last year, which resulted in more extra base power, and it continued in his winter league performance. How’s not the time to give up on him.
Still would like to see Greinke in Detroit. Could use a dependable experienced arm in that young rotation.
Good signing. Always need pitching depth and inning eaters.
If Peralta turns out to be the #5 starter, I would not be angry at Avila. If they sign someone like Pineda, I would be even happier. Having Peralta on a minor-league deal with an affordable major-league salary is a very good get for the Tigers.
Gruß,
BSHH
YES!!!!!!!
I love it! Welcome back Wily
I’m one who is generally overly optimistic when it comes to the Tigers. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I believe the Tigers will have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball; starters to relievers. This is based on the fact that Mize, Skoob and Manning all had solid seasons in 2022 (Manning came on late). I don’t believe they will regress in 2022, rather become even better.
The bullpen was already pretty good. Now, with a plethora of starters, it stands to become even better.
I hope you’re right, but I don’t think they’ll have “one of the best pitching staffs in baseball”this season.
Would you settle for one of the most improved?
Manning was not solid and we had the 5th worst bullpen era in the majors. Try again
This is exactly the type of signing I was hoping for. As a #5, they can (and have) done much worse.
“It’s quite possible that the Tigers will add another veteran starter to join the ranks, thus pushing Peralta and Manning into a competition for the fifth spot on the staff. For the time being, Peralta seemingly has a better chance at cracking the roster than your average non-roster player in Spring Training.”
No. Despite how Manning did last year, the Tigers appear committed to him being in the rotation this year. The real competition is the 5th spot is with Peralta and some of the other MiLB signings, and likely now Tyler Alexander given that the Tigers also signed Chafin for the pen. Would not rule out another MiLB signing for system depth. Wentz spend most of last year recovering from his TJ surgery so he could eventually be an option but he only pitched as high as AA last year. Likely an injury option later in the year if needed. Faedo had his TJ surgery last year so he will be rehabbing that surgery this season yet, so very unlikely he will pitch in Detroit this year.
Agreed. Manning is the number 4 guy in the rotation, Peralta and Alexander will fight it out for the 5th spot. I expect Manning to be greatly improved this season.
GREAT MOVE! I think we’re going to be favored in that weak Central. Challenge the Chisox.
Good to see him returning, not a headliner but threw a lot of good innings last year. If he can pitch as well in 22 he’ll be a great signing
So Al’s not going help SD sign FF?
Sad. So many opportunities this year….most of them.gone already…..