Detroit Tigers: 3 closers to consider signing this offseason

It may seem like a longshot, but the Detroit Tigers should consider signing Ken Giles.

The Detroit Tigers should take a chance on Ken Giles as a possible solution to the closer dilemma. The organization could sign Giles to provide trade deadline value and just be a better closer than what the organization has at the moment.

Giles is a seven-year veteran, having spent the last two-ish seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays after being traded to the Blue Jays from the Houston Astros in the Roberto Osuna trade.

The Tigers may not see 30+ saves from Giles, but he could still be a productive member of the Tigers’ bullpen. In 2020, Giles only logged 3.2 innings pitched. But in 2019, Giles played in 53 games, totaling 53 innings pitched.

Giles posted a 1.87 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and struck out three opposing hitters. He would only allow five hits and eleven runs during the 2019 season, which was incredibly dominant for Giles.

This is not really on par with what Giles had to offer in the years prior, but he could aim to recreate this success with the Tigers organization. Now 30 years old, Giles could be someone the Tigers use to garner some prospect depth.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Tigers could ship him off if he finds similar success to that of his 2019 performance. Giles is a bit of a character, having punched himself in the face while playing for the Astros, so his relationship with A.J. Hinch could be a bit strained.

However, if Giles can be the go-to arm in the Tigers bullpen, maybe Hinch can look beyond the Astros’ days of Giles’ career. He may not be the perfect option, but he is one to consider this offseason, looking ahead to the 2021 season.