Detroit Tigers fans won’t have to look far if they are keeping tabs on former relief pitcher Alex Lange next season. After being released by the Tigers earlier this week, Lange wasted no time in finding a new team, signing a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals.
After recording 26 saves with the Tigers in 2023, it seemed that the Cubs’ former first-round pick was on a path toward being an anchor in Detroit’s bullpen. Injuries and ineffectiveness, however, had a different path in mind for the right-hander. Lange only made 21 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, and a lat strain all but wiped away his entire 2025 season. Lange made an appearance for the Tigers in August before wrapping up the season at the Triple-A level.
It wasn’t too much of a surprise that Lange didn’t have a role with the Major League team upon his return, considering adding to their bullpen was the focus for the Tigers at the trade deadline.
Royals poach Alex Lange away from the Detroit Tigers following a week of roster move chaos
While Lange posted an ERA of 4.63 in 24 appearances at the Triple-A level, he struck out nearly 30% of the hitters he faced. Considering the need the Tigers have in the bullpen, it would have been cool to see Lange’s comeback story continue in Detroit. Nonetheless, it would seem that the Tigers were prioritizing a reunion with Kyle Finnegan, as opposed to counting on Lange to serve in any role of consequence in the bullpen next season.
The early winds of the offseason are suggesting that the Tigers will have a very different look to their bullpen next season. It may not be the worst of things, considering the moves Scott Haris made at the deadline, outside of Finnegan, haven’t exactly aged well.
In protecting several prospects from the Rule 5 draft by adding them to the 40-man roster earlier this week, the Tigers issued walking papers to a half dozen relievers. After the shortcomings in the playoffs, it feels like there is an organizational change coming for how the pitching staff will be constructed. Then again, it may not matter much if the Tigers decide to trade Tarik Skubal.