REDEFINE: Detroit Tigers Should CHANGE Will Vest’s Role in 2026 – Dominant Bullpen Needed

Detroit Tigers face a bullpen crossroads after Will Vest’s standout 2025 campaign. Can Vest anchor the ninth inning, or would a dominant new closer elevate the Tigers’ late-game firepower? Scott Bentley examines Vest’s strengths—top-tier groundball and barrel prevention rates, improving strikeout metrics, and growing arsenal—while probing his ability to handle left-handed hitters and how a shifted role could turbocharge Detroit’s relief corps. Scott Bentley spotlights Japanese ace Tetsuya Imai’s MLB posting, debating his fit and upside for the Tigers’ thin long-term rotation. Plus, the show analyzes blockbuster trades including Sonny Gray’s move to the Red Sox and Trevor Simeon’s swap to the Mets for Brandon Nimmo. How will these deals reshape the league and affect Detroit’s own roster strategy? Locked On Tigers delivers timely analysis and key player insights as the offseason heats up. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.