Detroit Tigers Reliever Tanner Rainey Opts for Free Agency

The Detroit Tigers are losing another relief pitcher, as Tanner Rainey is opting for free agency rather than returning to Detroit for another season.

If you’re unfamiliar with Rainey’s name, don’t feel bad. The veteran reliever made only a handful of appearances for the Tigers over the past two seasons, struggling to establish himself as a consistent option in a bullpen that desperately needed reliable arms.

Rainey, 33, appeared in six games for Detroit in 2026, pitching seven innings and allowing three earned runs for a 3.86 ERA. Despite the Tigers’ ongoing bullpen issues throughout the season, he was unable to carve out a regular role.

After nine years in the majors and stops with four different organizations, Rainey will now look for another opportunity to continue his career at age 34 in 2027.

Before joining Detroit, Rainey had established himself as a more regular contributor, recording at least 30 innings in four of his previous six seasons. His most recent significant workload came with the Washington Nationals in 2024, when he pitched 51 innings.

Rainey also found success at Triple-A Toledo this season. Across 45 appearances with the Mud Hens, he posted a 5-4 record with a 3.40 ERA and a 3.49 RA9 over 47 2/3 innings, allowing 21 runs.

His performance with Toledo suggested he could still provide value as bullpen depth, and he briefly showed that potential during his time with Detroit.

From Aug. 12 through Aug. 24, Rainey made five appearances for the Tigers and did not allow an earned run over 6 2/3 innings. During that stretch, he surrendered just one hit.

However, his final outing with Detroit proved disastrous. On Aug. 30 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rainey recorded just one out while allowing three runs on two hits.

The Tigers did not give him another opportunity in September, leaving his future with the organization in doubt.

Rainey may not have been the answer to Detroit’s bullpen problems, but his departure raises another question for general manager Scott Harris: Where will the Tigers find reliable relief pitching?

Detroit’s bullpen struggles were among the team's most frustrating issues in 2026, despite the organization making moves to address the problem. One of its biggest additions was veteran closer Kenley Jansen, who was expected to help stabilize the late innings. Instead, blown saves contributed to another disappointing season.

Kyle Finnegan, acquired at the previous trade deadline, also struggled with blown saves and led the team in that category this season.

The Tigers have now lost another potential bullpen option, leaving Harris with more work to do as the organization looks toward 2027. Whether through free agency, trades or the farm system, Detroit needs to find arms capable of consistently getting outs in high-leverage situations.

Rainey might not have been a major piece of the Tigers’ plans, but his departure is another reminder of how much work remains to be done in the bullpen.

At 33, Rainey is betting that another organization will give him a better opportunity to contribute. For Detroit, the search for dependable relief pitching continues.