The Detroit Tigers have added a new face to their bullpen in hopes of finding some much-needed consistency.
Veteran right-hander Luke Jackson, a 10-year MLB pitcher recently cut by the Texas Rangers, signed a one-year deal with Detroit on Saturday, July 26. He’ll be paid the prorated league minimum for the remainder of the 2025 season, while the Rangers are still on the hook for most of his \$1.5 million salary — approximately \$400,000, compared to about \$250,000 from the Tigers.
Jackson was activated for Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays at Comerica Park.
“We’ve been turning over quite a few arms,” said manager A.J. Hinch before the game. “Some guys are out, but Luke will have his chance here.”
Texas designated Jackson for assignment on July 23 and officially released him two days later. He now gets a fresh start in Detroit, where Hinch is hopeful he can tap into his past effectiveness.
“He’s been around. He’s got a real breaking ball and some swing-and-miss potential we’re hoping to recapture,” Hinch said. “He’ll get a shot when I put him in.”
In 2025, Jackson logged a 4.11 ERA over 39 appearances with the Rangers, striking out 24 and walking 19 across 35 innings. The 33-year-old has pitched in nearly 400 big-league innings, with a career ERA of 4.23. He was a key part of Atlanta’s bullpen during their 2021 World Series run, posting a stellar 1.98 ERA in 71 games that year.
Jackson relies heavily on his slider — using it more than 50% of the time — and complements it with a fastball (averaging 94.3 mph) and a curveball. His slider has generated a 26.5% whiff rate this year, down from 32.1% last season.
Despite struggles with control and fewer strikeouts — ranking in the bottom 10% of MLB in walk and strikeout rates — Jackson excels at keeping the ball on the ground. His 54.2% ground-ball rate ranks in the 91st percentile league-wide.
Earlier this season, Jackson served briefly as the Rangers’ closer, notching eight saves in his first 12 outings. Since then, he’s mostly pitched in middle relief, collecting just one save in his last 27 appearances.
He now joins a Tigers bullpen that’s been in flux all year.
Detroit has already cycled through relievers Carlos Hernández (37 days) and Geoff Hartlieb (2 days), both of whom were designated for assignment. Other bullpen arms like John Brebbia, Kenta Maeda, and Matt Gage have also struggled to solidify roles.
“We’re constantly evaluating,” Hinch said. “This could go any direction. Luke has been through this league and pitched late in games. Hopefully, he can settle in and help us win.”
The Tigers are banking on Jackson to provide some stability — and perhaps a spark — in a bullpen still searching for answers.
“When a spot opens, no matter how big or small, the goal is to grab it and run,” Hinch said. “We’re still looking for the right mix.”
