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Tigers Keep Drew Anderson, Decline Kenley Jansen Option in Roster Shakeup
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- Tigers Keep Drew Anderson, Decline Kenley Jansen Option in Roster Shakeup
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Detroit Tigers retained one of their most versatile pitchers and opened a vacancy at closer Monday, exercising Drew Anderson's $10 million option for 2027 while declining Kenley Jansen's $12 million option. Detroit will pay Jansen a $2 million buyout, sending the veteran right-hander into free agency as the club begins reshaping its pitching staff.
The Tigers also brought back Jacob Waguespack on a one-year major league contract and made several moves to accommodate players returning from the 60-day injured list. The transactions left Detroit with a full 40-man roster, meaning additional acquisitions will require corresponding departures.
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Anderson's return gives manager A.J. Hinch flexibility as the Tigers sort through their rotation and bullpen. The right-hander posted a 3.67 ERA with 114 strikeouts over 108 innings in 49 appearances, including 11 starts. His ability to contribute in both roles gives Detroit an established option without having to fill that opening through free agency.
Keeping Anderson does not settle the rotation, but it preserves a pitcher who demonstrated he could handle different assignments. Detroit can continue pursuing starters while determining where his innings would provide the greatest benefit. At $10 million, the Tigers have a defined cost for a pitcher who already knows their staff and preparation process.
Jansen's departure creates a different question. The 39-year-old finished with 22 saves and a 3.20 ERA in 45 innings, bringing his career total to 498 saves. However, his six blown saves and 4.46 FIP provide additional context beyond the ERA, and Detroit chose to move forward without guaranteeing his option salary.
The decision leaves the Tigers with work to do in the late innings. Declining the option reduces their commitment by $10 million after accounting for the buyout, but finding dependable relief pitching remains an offseason priority. Moving on from Jansen only improves the bullpen if Detroit successfully replaces those innings.
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Waguespack will be part of that process after agreeing to a $1.3 million guaranteed contract, with performance bonuses that could increase its value to $1.5 million. His return gives the Tigers another known option as they evaluate how to distribute bullpen responsibilities.
Detroit reinstated Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling, Reese Olson, Will Vest and Trey Sweeney from the 60-day injured list. Those moves return the seven players to the roster, although their inclusion does not guarantee a particular role when spring training begins.
To create room, the Tigers placed left-hander Bailey Horn and right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long on unconditional release waivers. Outfielder Corey Julks was outrighted and became a free agent, while right-hander Yilber Díaz was designated for assignment.
The next decisions will arrive quickly. The deadline to protect eligible prospects from the Rule 5 draft is Nov. 17, followed by the Nov. 20 tender deadline. With all 40 roster spots occupied, Detroit must weigh those internal decisions alongside potential additions. Monday established who remains in the organization for now, while leaving the rotation, late-inning bullpen assignments and several roster spots open to further changes.
