The Detroit Tigers are taking a chance on a seasoned veteran! They've agreed to a minor league deal with reliever Burch Smith, a 36-year-old journeyman with an impressive baseball resume. But will this move pay off?
The Tigers' Latest Acquisition:
Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free-Press reports that the Tigers have signed Smith to a minor league contract, with an invitation to MLB camp. If he makes it to the big league roster, Smith is guaranteed a base salary of $1.5 million. A significant opportunity for a player who has been around the block!
Smith's career spans 15 years and seven major league clubs, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. He's pitched in Japan and Korea, and spent seven seasons at the Triple-A level, proving his ability to perform at various levels of the game. But here's where it gets interesting: despite his extensive experience, Smith has only managed a 5.79 ERA through 247 1/3 career innings in the majors.
A Comeback Story:
Smith's most recent MLB stint was in 2024, where he split time between the Marlins and Orioles, posting a respectable ERA of just under five earned runs per nine innings. However, his journey took a turn in 2025. After signing a minor league deal with the Pirates, he struggled with their Triple-A club, recording a 7.08 ERA in 19 outings. Despite a solid strikeout rate, his walk rate was elevated, leading to his release in July.
But Smith didn't give up. He headed to the Dominican Republic for winter ball and made a statement, recording an impressive 20:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This performance caught the Tigers' attention, who are now adding him to their bullpen, alongside other non-roster arms like Tanner Rainey, Sean Guenther, and Scott Effross.
A Controversial Move?
Some might question the Tigers' decision to invest in a player with Smith's major league track record. Is this a risky move, or a calculated gamble on a veteran's experience? The Tigers seem to be betting on Smith's international and minor league success, hoping it translates to the big leagues.
What do you think? Is this a smart signing by the Tigers, or a potential pitfall? Let us know in the comments below!
