Detroit Tigers: Can Buck Farmer emerge as major bullpen piece in 2018?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 30: Buck Farmer (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 30: Buck Farmer (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers will need all of the relief help they can get in 2018. Buck Farmer has shown in Spring Training that he could be a pleasant surprise in the Tigers’ bullpen.

Since 2014, Buck Farmer has bounced around between the Detroit Tigers and the minor leagues quite a few times. Overall, his results at the big league level haven’t been particularly good. Over 43 games (19 starts) in his career, he has posted a 6.80 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP.

Farmer’s numbers have been better in the minor leagues, however. Last season, he went 6-4 with 3.93 ERA over 21 starts in Triple-A. Earlier this spring, George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press reported that the Tigers informed Farmer that they now see him as a reliever. There was previously a debate about which role Farmer would be best suited for.

During his time in the major leagues, Farmer’s results as a reliever have been slightly better. He has posted a 4.53 ERA in relief compared to a 7.99 ERA as a starter. So far this spring, Farmer has been one of the major bright spots. He has yet to be scored upon in nine innings of work and has struck out 10.

Has he earned a spot?

With Opening Day now just one week away, Sipple is reporting that Farmer may have now locked down a spot in the Tigers’ bullpen. However,  Sipple also notes that things could still change and that Farmer still has an option left. That said, while it still isn’t out of the question that Farmer could begin the season in Triple-A, it  certainly appears that manager Ron Gardenhire has liked what he’s seen out of Farmer so far this spring:

““I’m looking for power arms and right now, we’re working on him being in our bullpen. He still has to perform here. We still have people battling for spots too. But he’s a power arm we’re looking for. He’s one of our guys in this organization that we have some faith in. I’m hoping he’s in our bullpen. I hope it works out.”

Despite his rather poor results at the major league level thus far in his career, Farmer has always had a good arm. According to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, when Farmer recently faced the Yankees, he was consistently throwing 95-96 mph. Farmer also had a 9.19 K/9 for the Tigers last season. He could conceivably be a big strikeout arm out of the Tigers’ bullpen.

Bullpen shaping up

If Farmer does, in fact, earn a spot, he will be joining a bullpen that features a couple of other dependable arms in Alex Wilson and closer Shane Greene. Youngster Joe Jimenez, who struggled last season but has been impressive this spring, could be another huge arm out of the Tigers’ bullpen in the very near future.

Next: Pittsburgh Pirates: Top 10 Rookie-Eligible Prospects for 2018

There is a lot that would still have to go right, and apparently, the Detroit Tigers are not expected to compete in 2018, but it appears that they could have the makings of a decent bullpen.