Tigers Sign Top Left-Handed Reliever

The Detroit Tigers were one of the big movers before the lockout, but had been quiet since the return to business this month. Until now. The Tigers have signed the best available left-handed reliever on the market, inking Andrew Chafin two a 2-year, $13M deal, with an opt-out after 2022.

Chafin keeps the walks to a minimum, as witnessed by his stellar 0.93 WHIP last season, to go with an equally sparkling 1.83 ERA. He held right-handed batters to a .196 average, while lefties only managed to hit .170.

The 31-year-old is heading into his 9th major league season, the first 6 1/2 spent with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Tigers starter Casey Mize was thrilled to learn about the signing. 

Casey Mize on Andrew Chafin:

"Definitely really excited to add him to our bullpen. Our bullpen, the back end of it, is really good. To add him to that makes us feel better about it. Pumped to have him. I was excited when I saw the news." #Tigers https://t.co/Df5WxoLf6E

— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) March 16, 2022

"Definitely really excited to add him to our bullpen. Our bullpen, the back end of it, is really good. To add him to that makes us feel better about it. Pumped to have him," said Mize.

The rest of the city will likely be enjoying Chafin's free spirit as well. With his self-proclaimed nickname "Big Country", he is a unique character. When he arrived in Chicago to join the Cubs last season, shortly after buying his dream car—a classic, red Pontiac Firebird—he reached out to Cubs fans on Twitter with the question, "Where’s the best place to go do burnouts and donuts in this city??":

Where’s the best place to go do burnouts and donuts in this city??......asking for a friend...

— andrew chafin (@BigCountry1739) April 22, 2021

With his new $13M deal, Chafin, who used to live out of his RV while with the D-Backs, can look for something a little more upscale (or at least a high-end RV park). 

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports