For the Tigers, acquiring Top star at the trade deadline seemed more like a long-term gamble. The Rangers, his previous team, weren’t particularly impressed, parting with him for nothing more than cash considerations — unusual for a 28-year-old pitcher with MLB experience.
That raises the question of whether top star still fits the bill as a solid pitcher, given his injury history. After undergoing both Tommy John surgery and surgery to repair a fractured elbow, he essentially missed the 2022–24 seasons, logging just 12.2 innings across all levels in that span, and is still working to regain his form.
Still, considering his age and the fact that he was a strong bullpen arm when he debuted with the White Sox in 2020, there’s reason to think he could be useful by 2026. In that sense, he offered some upside as a Tigers trade-deadline addition.
The Tigers’ bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball over the past month, and the team has struggled to find solutions. After Heuer delivered two scoreless outings at Triple-A Toledo, Detroit was desperate enough to give him a shot — despite the fact he’s made only one MLB appearance since 2021.
Heuer has now joined the big-league roster, with the Tigers designating Luke Jackson (4.2 innings, 7.71 ERA) for assignment.
As Evan Woodbery of the Free Press noted on Twitter/X: “RHP Codi Heuer has a locker in the Tigers’ clubhouse. He takes the spot of Luke Jackson, who has been DFA’d.”
Tigers Bullpen Among MLB’s Worst
Brandon Day of SB Nation’s Bless You Boys noted that the bullpen has been the Tigers’ biggest weakness.
“After a pretty good start to the year, over the last 30 days, the Tigers’ bullpen ranks in the bottom five in the game in both ERA and FIP,” he wrote. “They’re allowing the highest barrel percentage in baseball, despite a middle-of-the-pack hard-hit rate. Their strikeout rate in that span ranks 27th, though walks allowed are about average.”
At the trade deadline, Detroit tried to fix its relief issues by bringing in a wave of new arms. The problem is, the approach focused on quantity over quality.
Heuer could still find his rhythm, but for now, the Tigers’ bullpen situation remains firmly in desperation territory.