Joel Hanrahan Interested In Coming Back To The Detroit Tigers In 2015
By Zach Libby
It’s been more than three weeks since the Detroit Tigers last took the field at Comerica Park, when they were ousted in the American League Division Series in three games by the Baltimore Orioles.
The team has had a little bit of time to assess their plans for the winter, as to who they’re planning on bringing back and who they’re letting walk out into the sunset.
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Dave Dombrowski told the media during his end-of-the-season press conference that he hopes to bring in a left handed bat and improve the centerfield and bullpen situation.
Relievers Phil Coke, Joba Chamberlain, Jim Johnson and Joel Hanrahan are set to hit the free agent market today. All of whom in which played a key role in the disastrous journey Tigers fans had to endure throughout the entire season.
Hanrahan, however, did not even step on the mound last season as he continued to rehab from the Tommy John surgery he underwent back in May of last year.
Despite not contributing for the Tigers, the 33-year old hopes to return to Detroit to make another run at a World Series title.
According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, the free agent prefers to sign another deal with Detroit rather than play for his sixth major league team.
Hearing Joel Hanrahan's preference is to return to the #Tigers to finish rehab. He is a free agent after not appearing in a game with DET.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 30, 2014
Before Hanrahan signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Tigers at the beginning of the season, he’s had a respectable career in the majors as a reliever and closer.
He rose to frame in his final two years with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2011-12 when he recorded over 35 saves in each season. His ability to close out games awarded him with two All-Star appearances.
In his career, Hanrahan has won 22 games while losing 18 in 362 appearances on the mound. He also has a 3.85 ERA and a 1.401 WHIP while striking out 441 batters. He picked up his 100th save last year with the Boston Red Sox, his final save of the season for Boston before being placed on the disabled list.