The Tigers have acquired left-hander Bailey Horn from the Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations, according to announcements from both clubs. The southpaw was designated for assignment earlier today when the Cards signed Phil Maton. Detroit had an open 40-man spot after putting José Urquidy on the 60-day injured list recently. They have already optioned Horn to Triple-A Toledo.
The Tigers clearly have a fondness for Horn. The Red Sox put him on waivers in November, with the Tigers putting in a claim at that time. He stuck on the Detroit roster for over a month but he was bumped off when they signed Gleyber Torres in December, which led to the Cardinals claiming Horn off waivers. As mentioned, he was DFA’d by St. Louis just a few hours ago but the Tigers quickly pounced and put down some cash to acquire him again.
Horn, 27, has a very limited major league profile. He debuted with Boston last year, allowing 13 earned runs in 18 innings. His 14.8% strikeout rate and 11.4% walk rate in that time were both subpar numbers.
Detroit is surely putting more weight in Horn’s minor league numbers, where he has shown huge strikeout potential but also a lack of control. From 2021 to 2024, he logged 213 1/3 innings for various minor league clubs with a combined 4.26 ERA. His 12.7% walk rate on the farm is certainly high but he also punched out 29% of batters faced.
As mentioned, Horn has already been optioned, so the Tigers seem to view him as a depth arm for the time being. He can head to Triple-A and try to rein in his control, while being shuttled to the majors when necessary. Tyler Holton will give Detroit one lefty at the big league level, while Andrew Chafin could give them another if his contract is selected. Brant Hurter might be in the mix but likely more as a long man. Horn and Sean Guenther give the club a couple of optionable southpaws to be called upon as needed.
Haven’t even started the season and the stove is hot.
Trust me!!! Since John Mozeliak gave up on Bailey Horn….. At some point in his career he will become an All-Star!!!!!
And just like that ….. I learn that Urquidy is now a Tiger
I’m still shocked that Andrew Chafin had to settle for a minor league contract. I assume he’ll make the club, but if he doesn’t, there will be a long list of teams looking to pounce on him.
That’s what I thought about Chafin as well. But his Spring Training stints have been really bad so far. Since Chafin could not haul in a major-league contract in the first place, I don’t see any long list of potential suitors.
Gruß,
BSHH
Had another bad outing today. One inning 4 earned runs and cost the Tigers the game. Lots of bad outings this spring. I can see him getting released soon. Detroit must like Horn. I expect they think they can work on his control. They have been very successful in developing pitchers in the last few years.
Bailey might do well in a big park but I’m glad he’s not back with the ared Sox.
To add to what BSHH said, Chafin has also been known to prefer to be as close to his farm in OH as possible which limits his suitors even further. If he doesn’t make the team, he’s likely to stay in AAA and try to get a call-up vs. requesting a release in order to join another team. This is one reason he was a good signing for us. If he makes it work, great. If not, we lose nothing.
He hasn’t looked good in ST so far. His control has been really awful.
A long list? You realize that every team in baseball had a chance to sign him. He settled for a minor league contract with the Tigers. That list isn’t long.
How Much are cash considerations?
@Daryl Pauley
Depends on what they consider.
Probably higher than the waiver claim price of $50K, but can be as low as $1.
Because any thing John Mozeliak touches has turned sour over the past 6-8 years ———-
I see this move turning Horn into a Star this season and Maton being cut from the team for lack of ability !!!
Mozeliak can’t judge Talent anymore!!!
That’s the reason the Cardinals are in a total rebuild and are dumping all of their best players with the higher contracts!!!
Mozeliak is the one that needs to be dumped!!!
Not the players!!!!!
As long as the Cards keep their manager, it doesn’t matter who they acquire.
Heard this one around the horn.
He’s gone around the Horn and back again
That show got canceled.
In contract law, consideration is something of value that is exchanged in a transaction that legally executes a contract. Consideration isn’t plural.
Just because someone in MLB started this and their press releases uses the incorrect grammar doesn’t mean a fine writer like yourself should duplicate their error.
If you consider it, dollars are plural.
Well, the only way I can imagine cash as plural is Johnny and June.
And it turns out with cash, it is a universally accepted fact: cash is more fun to consider one dollar at a time……
Right on.
Honk
Paul MCCartney was asked his reaction to the deal while on the treadmill this afternoon. His answer: “beep beep, beep beep, yeah!”
Can he play third ?
Rookie of the year Jace Jung can though!
I’m gonna hold you to that !!