For the Tigers, David Bednar Could Be the Piece They Need to Rebuild Their Bullpen

Detroit’s search for a closer

The Tigers are looking for a closer for 2027 after declining Jansen’s contract option. Jansen handled the ninth inning in 2026, when Detroit’s bullpen had a record 31 blown saves.

Bednar has experience in the role and was previously considered by Detroit. The Tigers explored a trade when Pittsburgh made him available in 2025, but did not meet the Pirates’ prospect demands.

Bednar’s rebound and pitch mix

Bednar, 32, finished 2026 with a 2.47 ERA, 35 saves and 1.9 WAR. That followed a difficult 2025, when he posted a 5.77 ERA; his recent seasons have restored the form that earned him All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023.

His splitter became his primary pitch in 2026, accounting for 41.2% of his usage, up from 19.7% the year before. Batters hit .149 against it, with a .181 wOBA. The pitch helped offset a decrease in his four-seam fastball’s average velocity, from 97.1 mph to 96.1 mph.

Bednar also uses a knuckle curveball alongside the splitter. His 2026 figures included the 99th percentile in Chase%, the 88th in Whiff% and the 89th in Barrel% allowed.

How he compares with Jansen

Detroit has lacked relievers who can miss bats and limit damaging contact, while Jansen allowed seven home runs in 2026, including four walk-offs. Bednar’s approach is less dependent on velocity, though his strikeout rate fell from 34.3% to 27.1%.

His 2.61 FIP and 20% K-BB% offer further support for his season. Jansen’s cutter made up more than 80% of his pitches for a third straight year, a distribution he had not sustained since 2018; the article says he could not solve several problems during 2026.

Contract and draft cost

The Yankees gave Bednar a $23.15 million qualifying offer, which he must accept or reject by November 17. If he enters free agency and signs with Detroit, the Tigers would lose their third-highest selection in the 2027 Draft under the compensation rules.

Market projections put a possible deal at three years and $45 million to $55 million guaranteed. The article compares that range with Devin Williams’ three-year, $51 million agreement with the Mets.