Alex Wilson

Low-strikeout relievers are typically undesirable assets in the fantasy game and Wilson is no exception. Wilson averaged just 6.3 K/9 in 66 appearances with the Tigers last season before suffering a non-displaced right fibula fracture as a result of being hit by a comebacker in September. The ratios left something to be desired too, but with a lack of quality alternatives in the Tigers' bullpen, Wilson was relied upon at the back end (17 holds, two saves). To his credit, Wilson lowered his walk rate after experiencing an uptick in 2016, trimming his walk percentage from 7.1 percent to 5.8, and he improved his numbers against lefties (.284 wOBA). Further, the Detroit bullpen remains bereft of talent, so Wilson should continue on in a setup role. However, the skills are simply not worthy of rostering out of the gates.

Wilson followed up stellar 2014 and 2015 seasons with a solid 2016, putting up a 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 73 innings and notching 14 holds in the process. He's still a low-strikeout option, however, with a 6.0 K/9. Wilson's heavy use of his cutter gave him meaningful reverse splits, holding lefties to a .235 average compared to a .256 against righties. Versatility is part of the reason Wilson has been used so heavily by the Tigers the past two seasons, as he's thrown 143 innings between 2015 and 2016. The Tigers picked up veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez's contract for another year, although Wilson probably didn't have a good shot at closing regardless . A righty whose fastball sits in the low 90s and doesn't strike out many hitters, Wilson doesn't fit the bill of a prototypical closer anyway. He could have value as a low-ERA reliever in leagues that reward holds, but only in very deep leagues.

Wilson was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers last season, delivering a 1.03 WHIP and 2.19 ERA in 70.0 innings in a bullpen that swirled the bowl most of the year. He was the de facto closer in D-Town heading into the offseason, but he's not typical closer material -- he struck out just 38 last season and is a groundball machine. In November, Tigers' general manager Al Avila acquired Francisco Rodriguez to put a bow on the ninth inning and the Tigers' bullpen just got a whole lot stronger. Now, Wilson becomes a solid eighth-inning option or an elite seventh-inning man. He'll generate holds without Ks, so your format will dictate his value.

Wilson spent the 2014 season bouncing back and forth between Triple-A Pawtucket and Boston until August when he remained with the Red Sox to finish out the season. He pitched mostly in middle relief, and pitched well, recording a 1.91 ERA in 28.1 innings over 18 appearances. He was much better in the majors than at Triple-A, mainly due to limiting the number of walks issued. Wilson was traded to the Tigers as part of the Rick Porcello deal and will compete for a spot in Detroit's bullpen.

Wilson made the transition from starter to full-time reliever in 2012 and pitched solely out of the bullpen in 2013. A thumb injury put him out of commission in July for an extended period of time, but he returned to pitch for Triple-A Pawtucket late in the season. Prior to the injury, Wilson had a couple of stints in Boston, with mixed results. His control suffered in the move to the 'pen and he was unable to increase the velocity of his low-90s fastball in shorter stints. Still, he has a mound presence and can develop into a valuable middle reliever at the major league level. His lot in baseball life will be as a reliever. With options left, Wilson's expected to work in relief for Pawtucket when the season opens.

Wilson had a relatively successful 2011 season, his third year removed from Tommy John surgery. Most notably he kept opponents off base, decreasing his walks and hits. He says some grip adjustments allowed him to pitch effectively deeper into the season, though he he really needs to improve his changeup. He relies a lot on his fastball/slider repertoire. With the back end of Boston's rotation unsettled and as the club's starting depth exposed as a weakness last year, Wilson may get a call up at some point. There's still some sense that he ends up as a reliever, but he'll work as a starter at Triple-A Pawtucket and see if the improvements he made on his secondary stuff will continue.

Wilson had his first full-season of minor-league ball in 2010, starting with High-A Salem and moving onto Double-A Portland. He was effective at the lower level, but hitters in Double-A proved to be more selective and capable of mashing his fastball when it was left up in the zone. The organization will be looking for him to stay on top of the fastball and work on the lower half of the strike zone. He also needs to establish better separation between his changeup and fastball. He'll open the 2011 season in Portland.

Wilson, rebounding from Tommy John surgery in 2008, was kept to strict pitch-count in 2009. As such, the starter didn't pitch deep into games (2-3 innings). The 2010 season will be all about getting comfortable in professional baseball, while developing secondary pitches. He relies heavily on his fastball (92-93 mph), which he commands well and it could hit the mid-90s as he develops as a pitcher. The slider shows good potential, but his changeup needs work. Those secondary pitches are necessary as he faces more advanced competition than he did last season in the New York-Penn League, where he could use his fastball almost exclusively.