Two-time Tigers lefty back on free-agent market after option declined
DETROIT — Could Andrew Chafin be back for a third go-round with the Detroit Tigers?
The Texas Rangers declined Chafin’s $6.5 million club option on Monday, meaning the veteran left-hander is once again a free agent.
The Tigers traded Chafin to the Rangers at the deadline in July, receiving minor-league pitchers Joseph Montalvo and Chase Lee in return.
At the time, the Tigers had all but thrown in the towel on the 2024 season while the Rangers, 2023 World Series champions, were aiming for another playoff push.
As it turned out, the Tigers made an improbable run to the playoffs while the Rangers faltered.
Chafin was one of the Tigers’ top relievers in 2024, posting a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings with 50 strikeouts and 16 walks at the time of the trade.
But he struggled with the Rangers, walking 15 batters in 19 1/3 innings.
In that sense, the trade was a big win for the Tigers, who got two promising pitchers and now have the chance to bring Chafin back in 2025 if they choose.
Chafin, 34, has already had two stints in Detroit.
During his first run with Detroit in 2022, Chafin posted a 2.83 ERA across 57 1/3 innings, with 67 strikeouts and 19 walks. He opted to hit the free-agent market after the season instead of exercising a $6.5 million player option with the Detroit Tigers.
That may have been a poor choice, because he ultimately settled for a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth a guaranteed $6.25 million.
Chafin pitched well for the D’backs in 2023 but was traded to the Brewers in a surprising deadline deal. Much like this year, he struggled with his new team. He hit the free-agent market when the Brewers declined a $7.25 million club option and ultimately returned to the Tigers.
