Detroit Tigers have made a low-risk roster move that adds experienced depth to their pitching pipeline, agreeing to a minor league deal with former New York Yankees right-handed reliever Scott Effross.
The signing, which appeared on the club’s transactions page in December 2025, reflects Detroit’s continued focus on uncovering value plays ahead of the new season.
Tigers take a calculated bullpen gamble
Effross, now 32, arrives in Detroit after a challenging stretch with the Yankees marked by injuries and inconsistent results.
During the 2025 season, he logged an 8.44 ERA across 11 appearances, pitching 10.2 innings at the major league level. Over three seasons in New York, Effross posted a 5.06 ERA in 27 outings, striking out 20 batters in 26.2 innings.
Despite those struggles, Detroit Tigers’ decision carries minimal downside. As a minor league signing, the move does not impact the club’s financial flexibility while offering a chance to see whether Effross can rediscover the form that once made him a reliable bullpen arm.
A promising past derailed by injuries
Effross’ name still holds value around the league due to his strong early career with the Chicago Cubs. Across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he compiled a 2.91 ERA, striking out 68 hitters over 58.2 innings.
That performance prompted the Yankees to acquire him at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for their No. 7 prospect, Hayden Wesneski.
However, his time in New York quickly unraveled. Effross underwent Tommy John surgery just a month after the trade and missed the entire 2023 season.
His recovery was further complicated by multiple setbacks, including hamstring, back, and shoulder issues, which limited both his availability and effectiveness.
Struggles continue, but upside remains
Even during rehabilitation stints, Effross found little success. In 2025, he posted a 6.37 ERA over 29.2 innings with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre while working his way back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for more than three months.
Still, there are underlying traits that may intrigue Detroit Tigers’ coaching staff. Effross relies on a unique three-quarter arm slot and a four-pitch mix consisting of a four-seam fastball, sinker, sweeper, and changeup.
While his average fastball velocity hovered around 89 mph in 2025, his profile has historically leaned toward generating weak contact and ground balls rather than overpowering hitters.
A no-risk opportunity for Detroit Tigers
For the Tigers, the appeal is straightforward. If Effross can finally stay healthy, he offers a potential bullpen option with major league experience and a track record of success earlier in his career.
If not, the organization loses little by taking a chance on a pitcher who once proved he could thrive at the highest level.