Detroit Tigers: 3 players who will not last through the rebuild

The Detroit Tigers could likely part ways with current “closer” Joe Jiménez before the rebuild ends.

In 2020, reliever Joe Jiménez lost his role as the Detroit Tigers’ closer, and things started to roll downhill for the right-handed pitcher. Jiménez is 25 years old and has been in the organization’s bullpen for four years, moving into the closer role after Shane Greene was traded.

For the Tigers in 2020, Jiménez appeared in 25 games, totaling 22.2 innings pitched, where he accumulated a 7.15 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, allowing 25 hits, 19 earned runs, and seven home runs in total.

Jiménez did manage five saves, but he has ultimately surrendered the closer role after struggles on the mound. Given that Jiménez is only 25 years old and still in his arbitration years, he could be around for a while. He will not be granted free agency until the 2024 season.

If the Tigers are serious about building the right bullpen, cutting ties with Jiménez might be the best move. As the 2021 season moves into play, fans can only hope that Jiménez gets back to the pitcher he was and can get back into that closer role.

However, if he does return to the level where he is can be a serviceable closer and bullpen arm, the Tigers should ship him out and recoup whatever value they can. When the rebuild ends, the Tigers can spend money on a big-name closer.

The odds Jiménez can fill that role are slim, so parting ways with him before then might be best for this organization.