Tigers begin dumpster diving early with minor league deal for former Orioles reliever

The Detroit Tigers have signed former Cardinals and Orioles relief pitcher Nick Raquet to a two-year minor league contract, according to Ari Alexander. Raquet recently underwent Tommy John surgery, making it unlikely he will be available to pitch during the 2027 season. Motor City Bengals characterizes the move as an early low-cost depth signing by Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris.

Raquet was previously drafted by the Nationals in 2017 before brief MLB stints with St. Louis and Baltimore. The writer questions the necessity of securing Raquet so early, noting that while the two-year structure allows Detroit to stash him until 2028, fans will not be surprised if he never makes a significant major-league impact.