Detroit Tigers sign pitcher shortly after being released by Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers have added right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold to their roster shortly after his release from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Detroit Tigers announced that Connor Seabold has agreed to a split contract that will pay him $800,000 if he's in the majors. Details of his minor league salary have not been disclosed.
The Tigers today signed right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold to a 2026 split major league contract worth $800,000 at the big-league level. Right-handed pitcher Beau Brieske has been placed on the 60-day injured list with a left adductor strain. Detroit's 40-man roster stands at 40 players.
Seabold, 30, didn't stay on the market long. He had been in spring training with Toronto on a minor league deal but exercised an opt-out clause, leading to his release just days ago. He now lands in Detroit with a spot on the roster-for the time being.
Seabold is out of minor league options, which complicates any attempt to send him down. If placed on waivers, he would have the ability to elect free agency due to a previous outright assignment.
However, because he lacks sufficient service time, choosing free agency would mean forfeiting any remaining guaranteed salary.
Given that this is a split contract, the minor league portion could still be appealing enough for Seabold to remain with the organization rather than test the open market again.
Statistically, Seabold's major league performance has been underwhelming. Across 119 innings, he has posted a 7.79 ERA.
That said, a significant portion of that workload-87 1/3 innings-came in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies, pitching in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field.
Tigers intrigued by recent improvements in Seabold's velocity, will break Camp.
According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays initially envisioned Seabold in a multi-inning role this season. However, his fastball velocity jumped noticeably early in camp.
Previously averaging 92-93 mph in the majors, Seabold was suddenly reaching 96 mph, along with improved vertical movement.
This development prompted Toronto to reconsider him as a potential bullpen option.
He also added a slider during his time with the Blue Jays. In spring training action, Seabold faced 33 batters and struck out 13 of them-an impressive 39.4% strikeout rate.
Seabold will break camp, manager A.J. Hinch tells Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays assign Eloy Jimenez, five other players to minor league-camp
Toronto Blue Jays assign Eloy Jimenez, five other players to minor league-camp
| POLL | ||
MARS 23|129 ANSWERS Detroit Tigers sign pitcher shortly after being released by Toronto Blue Jays Do you think signing Connor seabold was a good move for the Detroit Tigers? | ||
| Yes | 60 | 46.5 % |
| No | 16 | 12.4 % |
| Too early to tell | 53 | 41.1 % |
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