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Tigers land pitching depth in trade with Brewers
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- Tigers land pitching depth in trade with Brewers
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The Detroit Tigers strengthened their pitching reserves on Wednesday, securing 32-year-old right-hander Jacob Waguespack from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. The veteran is slated to report to Triple-A Toledo.
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Waguespack arrives on a minor-league contract, meaning the Tigers aren't required to clear a 40-man roster spot for him, a convenient arrangement for a team currently dealing with nine pitchers on the major league injured list. With Tarik Skubal , Justin Verlander , Casey Mize , and Kenley Jansen all nearing returns, Detroit faces significant roster maneuvering in the days ahead, and Waguespack offers insurance without complicating that process. One caveat: if his deal contains an opt-out or upward mobility clause forcing a 40-man addition, he would need to join the active roster since he's out of minor-league options.
The righty's 2026 numbers at Triple-A Nashville were impressive, as he compiled a 1.66 ERA across 21 2/3 innings in 16 outings, striking out 33 batters against 15 walks. His 36.3% strikeout rate stands out, though his 16.5% walk rate is concerning, and he benefited from a .238 batting average on balls in play along with a 73.2% strand rate. His path this season was unusual. Milwaukee released him from his original minor-league pact in early May, then re-signed him around a week later.
Waguespack hasn't appeared in the majors since 2024, when he recorded a 5.41 ERA in four games with the Tampa Bay Rays. His big-league resume includes 31 appearances and 105 2/3 innings with Tampa Bay and the Toronto Blue Jays , producing a 5.11 ERA and 1.543 WHIP, with an 18.9% strikeout rate and a 10.1% walk rate. He debuted as a rookie with Toronto in 2019, logging a 4.38 ERA in 16 games, and added 11 more outings in 2020. He also pitched two seasons in Japan, and in 2025 finished with a 2.45 ERA over 25 Triple-A games in the Philadelphia Phillies and Rays organizations without earning a promotion.
Originally an undrafted free agent signed by Philadelphia out of Ole Miss in 2015, Waguespack has made 208 minor-league appearances. He joins a Tigers bullpen that ranks 16th with a 4.19 ERA.
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