Veteran left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday and has now signed a major-league deal with the Washington Nationals. It didn’t take long for him to land a new opportunity, reaffirming his continued value at the MLB level.
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Chafin’s Strong 2024 Performance
After signing a minor-league deal with Detroit earlier this year, Andrew Chafin was aiming for another opportunity in the majors. He proved to be one of the Tigers’ most reliable relievers in 2024, finishing with a 3.16 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 37 innings before being dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
Despite not securing a guaranteed contract this offseason, Chafin’s track record continues to attract attention—particularly from the Nationals, who are in need of dependable bullpen help.
Outlook for the Tigers’ Bullpen
With Chafin no longer in the mix, Detroit will rely more heavily on relievers like Alex Lange, Will Vest, and Tyler Holton in late-game situations. The Tigers have developed a resilient and adaptable bullpen, and Chafin understood his chances of returning to the majors would likely depend on injuries opening a roster spot.