Tigers Bid Farewell to Alex Faedo to Welcome Tommy Kahnle’s Arrival
In a stunning turn of events, the Detroit Tigers have made a significant roster move that involves bidding farewell to a familiar face to make room for a new acquisition that promises to shake things up within the team.
The Surprising Corresponding Move
Amidst the excitement of securing Tommy Kahnle on a lucrative one-year, $7.75 million contract during free agency, the Tigers have orchestrated a corresponding roster adjustment that has caught many by surprise. As reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the team has opted to designate Alex Faedo, a right-handed reliever, for assignment to create space for Kahnle on the 40-man roster.
Faedo’s Background and Potential Destinations
Alex Faedo, a former first-round pick and top prospect for the Tigers, finds himself in a precarious position due to being out of minor league options in 2025, a pivotal factor that contributed to the Tigers’ decision to DFA him. While there remains a possibility of Faedo being outrighted to Triple-A Toledo if he clears waivers, speculation is rife that he could be claimed or traded in the near future.
Despite the limitation posed by his lack of options, Faedo’s skill set and experience could still make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking pitching depth in their rosters. His potential value as a versatile asset may not go unnoticed by clubs in need of bolstering their pitching lineup.
Assessing Faedo’s Performance and Future
The Tigers’ selection of Faedo with the 18th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft marked the beginning of his journey with the team. Over the past three seasons, the 29-year-old has displayed his pitching prowess but has struggled to solidify his role within the Tigers’ rotation or bullpen. Despite making his debut on the club’s Opening Day roster last season, Faedo has yet to establish himself as a consistent presence on the mound.
In the 2024 season, Faedo’s performance, while not exceptional, showcased his capabilities as a reliable pitcher. His versatility was highlighted as he transitioned between relief and opener roles, culminating in a 3.61 ERA over 57 1/3 innings. With a strikeout rate of 22.4% and a walk rate of 11.4%, Faedo demonstrated his ability to compete at the major league level. Throughout his 64 career MLB games with the Tigers, he has maintained a respectable 4.51 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.
Despite facing a setback in the form of a season-ending shoulder strain in late August of his potentially breakthrough MLB season, Faedo remains committed to his craft. Following the administration of a PRP injection and an anticipated full offseason of recovery, Faedo’s resolve to return to peak performance remains unwavering. Should he find himself in Toledo following the waiver process, he is poised to participate in the Tigers’ spring training as a non-roster invitee, presenting him with an opportunity to secure a coveted spot in Detroit’s bullpen.
As the Tigers bid adieu to Faedo to make room for the arrival of Kahnle, the dynamics within the team’s pitching lineup are set for a transformative shift, marking a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Detroit Tigers’ roster.