Mariners miss another lefty reliever in free agency as Tigers make smart signing

As much as upgrading the infield was the main need for the Seattle Mariners during this past offseason, help was also needed for the bullpen. However, a reliever who would have been an intriguing and experienced addition in the Pacific Northwest is now no longer on the table.

As confirmed by MLB.com Detroit Tigers reporter Jason Beck, Andrew Chafin has signed a minor league deal for his third stint with the organization, which includes a non-roster invite to Major League camp. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press subsequently reported the financial terms of the contract, with the southpaw in line to earn $2.5 million if he makes the roster, as well as an additional $1.5 million in incentives and a $250K assignment bonus.

Mariners really could have used Andrew Chafin in their bullpen

The money aspect alone makes you think why the Mariners missed out on Chafin, considering the financial limitations apparently placed on Jerry Dipoto and the rest of the front office by ownership. However, the 34-year-old also has a long-term history of solid success in the Majors, which really could have helped the bullpen in Seattle at a reasonable price.

Just last season alone, Chafin looked good during his second tenure in Detroit as he produced a 3.16 ERA, 2.54 FIP and 30.9% strikeout rate in 37 innings (41 appearances). Admittedly he wasn't as effective following his trade deadline move to the Texas Rangers, but you suspect he will bounce back with the Tigers, who he was also successful with during his first stint with the organization back in 2022.

The 2011 first-round draft pick mostly relies on his slider and sinker these days, followed by a four-seam fastball, and you have to figure he would have enjoyed throwing in the pitcher-friendly confines of T-Mobile Park. Over 11 years in the Majors he has appeared in 508 1/3 combined innings over 601 appearances, in the process recording a 3.42 ERA, 3.29 FIP, 1.275 WHIP and 25.9% strikeout rate.

On an overall level the Mariners bullpen did fine last season as they ranked ninth in the Majors in ERA, fourth in WHIP, and second in both fewest walks and opposing team batting average. However, the reality is they wore down as the 2024 campaign progressed, and even though Matt Brash is set to return after a year out and Gregory Santos should be healthier, they come with no guarantees, which is where bringing in Chafin could have benefited the M's, particularly with him being a lefty.

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