DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers won’t be bringing back a future Hall of Fame closer whose lone season in Detroit was filled with ups and downs. They will, however, be sticking with a right-handed swingman whose first season in Detroit ended with signs of promise.
Before Monday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, the Tigers officially declined the $12 million club option for closer Kenley Jansen. Detroit will pay Jansen a $2 million buyout.
Detroit also exercised its $10 million club option for right-hander Drew Anderson, who had a 3.67 ERA in 2026.
Jansen, who ranks third behind Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman on MLB’s all-time saves list, had a 3.20 ERA with the Tigers but also blew six saves, the 10th-most among all MLB pitchers, and had a 12.8 percent walk rate. Despite frustrating moments, many of Jansen’s metrics improved from his 2025 season with the Los Angeles Angels. He had a 4-6 record for the Tigers and saved 22 games, leaving him with 498 career saves. At 39 years old, Jansen could still draw interest from MLB teams even if he no longer profiles as the lockdown closer he was at his peak.
Anderson appeared in 49 games for the Tigers, 11 of them starts. He was notably better as a starter, carding a 2.61 ERA in those games compared to 4.63 ERA as a reliever.
Anderson, pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2021 after spending four years in Japan and Korea, took time acclimating to a bullpen role and struggled to start the season, with a 5.82 ERA in March and April. But by year’s end, the Tigers’ gamble on him was clearly paying off. Anderson throws a wicked kick-change that is one of the best swing-and-miss pitches in Detroit’s entire staff. He had a 2.76 ERA in his final 10 appearances.
Anderson could again contend for a starting role in a rotation that will also feature Framber Valdez, Troy Melton and Jackson Jobe, with Reese Olson, Keider Montero and River Ryan also among those in the mix. Anderson could enter 2027 again in a swingman role, especially if the Tigers sign one or two additional starters.
Also on Monday, the Tigers signed right-hander Jacob Waguespack to a one-year, major-league deal worth $1.3 million guaranteed. Waguespack proved to be a useful midseason pickup and had a 2.49 ERA in 47 innings.
The Tigers also activated seven players off the 60-day injured list: Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, Reese Olson, Wenceel Pérez, Trey Sweeney, Matt Vierling and Will Vest. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Tigers placed left-hander Bailey Horn and right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long on unconditional release waivers. They also outrighted outfielder Corey Julks and designated right-hander Yilber Díaz for assignment.
The club’s 40-man roster now stands at 40 players.
