The Tigers have released right-hander John Brebbia, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. That was the likely outcome after he was designated for assignment a few days ago. He’s now free to sign with any club.
Brebbia, 35, signed with the Tigers in the offseason. The one-year deal guaranteed him $2.75MM in the form of a $2.25MM base salary and a $500K buyout on a $4MM club option for 2026. The Tigers clearly didn’t get the return they were hoping for on that investment. Brebbia missed about three weeks due to a right triceps strain. Around that, he tossed 18 2/3 innings with a 7.71 earned run average, 21.5% strikeout rate and 11.8% walk rate.
Given that performance and the money he is still owed, no club would be interested in taking on that contract. However, now that he’s been released, the Tigers remain on the hook for the money. Any other club could sign Brebbia and would only have to pay him the prorated version of the league minimum salary for any time spent on the roster. That amount would be subtracted from what the Tigers pay.
At that price point, Brebbia may find clubs who are interested in a bounceback, as his numbers prior to this year were far better than his 2025 results. From 2017 to 2024, he tossed 355 major league innings with a 3.80 ERA, 25.9% strikeout rate and 7.9% walk rate.
Last year, his ERA spiked to 5.86, but everything under the hood seemed normal. His 27.7% strikeout rate and 7.9% walk rate were still strong figures. The extra runs seemed to come from some bad luck, with a .317 batting average on balls in play and 67.1% strand rate. His 4.52 FIP and 3.29 SIERA pointed towards positive regression, which is likely why the Tigers invested in him.
The regression clearly hasn’t come to pass. Some of it may still be luck, as his .339 BABIP and 56.6% strand rate this year are worse than last year’s. His own performance is also part of it because, as mentioned, his strikeout and walk rate have moved in the wrong direction. But it’s possible the triceps injury has been impacting him for part of this year. Given the number of pitching injuries around the league, Brebbia should find interest from clubs looking for low-cost solutions.
Photo courtesy of Junfu Han, Imagn Images
I give the Tigers organization credit for be willing to cut their losses and eat this contract instead of forcing something out of nothing. Maybe Chris I is loosening his wallet a bit based on how good of a season it’s been so far. Question is, can it lead to bigger things at the trade deadline or will the Illitchs close that wallet in the name of profit potential?
Duh. Because some orgs sign garbage and hold onto it. Knowing when to hold and when to fold is a skill lost on you, apparently (but not surprisingly).
The deft with which the Tigers coaching staff has rotated and handled the pitching staff has contributed to the team having the best record in baseball, another achievement obviously, but not surprisingly, lost on you.
I’d rather see young guys like Smith and/or Lee soak up the innings and get exoerience or have them go get a power arm for the back end.
I agree. Odd to see Montero optioned though, especially with Reese Olson needing another rehab start.
With off days, they only need a 4 man rotation the next 2 weeks
Brebbia? Oh, Brebbia?
And God said unto Thee
Cards fans clamoring for the FO to reunite with Brebbia in 3…….2……..1…….
Thought this to be a decent signing at the time. Guess not, maybe would have been if not for injury? They say bullpen arms are fickle
I have to believe he will never pitch again in MLB. And if that’s the case, 7 big league seasons, should be financially set for life, congrats to him!
Brebbia is a positive force on a ball club when he’s right as a pitcher…I hope he gets another chance.
I mean honestly he’s better than John King so…..
I look for the Cardinals to resign him . He’s old, always hurt & has high ERA.
But he’s John Brebbia, and some fans are nostalgic for him no matter what he does on the mound. The wine & cheese crowd have migrated from SF to STL.