Ian Krol

Krol simply didn't deliver for the Tigers in 2015. He finished the season with a 5.79 ERA, 5.17 FIP and 1.71 WHIP, but he will have another chance to compete for a big league bullpen role after being traded to Atlanta in November. Krol can go for stretches and look like a major leaguer, only to implode without notice. And that happened far too many times in 2015. So, what does he have going for him? Well, he's young and left-handed. Right now, that's all he's got.

Along with starter Robbie Ray, Krol was one of the main pieces acquired by Detroit prior to the 2014 season in the Doug Fister trade. Krol made the Tigers’ bullpen out of spring training. He dealt with a couple of minor arm injuries and was sent to Triple-A Toledo for a two-week stretch in late July to work on his effectiveness, but he was able to stick in Motown for the majority of the season. The lefty reliever finished the season with a 4.96 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, one save, 10 holds and a 28:13 K:BB ratio in 32.7 innings. In particular, Krol struggled against right-handed hitters, allowing a .343/.410/.638 slash line against 78 batters, hinting that he might be best utilized as a LOOGY in the short term. Krol has a three-pitch arsenal; a fastball that hovers around 92 mph, a curveball and a seldom-used changeup. Detroit isn’t expected to bring in any big-ticket free agent relief pitchers, which will give Krol an opportunity to once again make the club’s Opening Day roster, but with only 13 appearances at the Triple-A level, the Tigers could also opt to give the 24-year old some additional developmental time in the minors.

Krol started off his rookie season well, but his numbers took a tumble and the bloom came off his rose quickly. Dealt to Detroit in the offseason, he could have a future as a LOOGY, but don't expect anything more.