free agent reliever Alex Lange Annie Rogers of MLB.com reports that she is finalizing a one-year deal with the Royals. The right-hander was released by the Tigers on Tuesday.
Langer, 30, is a former first-round pick who spent several seasons as one of Detroit’s top relievers. He served as AJ Hinch’s closer for much of the 2023 season, posting a 26-32 save chance record. In 66 innings that year, Langer averaged a 3.68 ERA and a strikeout rate of 27.4%. He hit half the ground balls in the at-bats he allowed and missed 15.5 percent of his pitches. Langer can get wild easily, but his stuff works.
Langer’s strikeout rate dropped dramatically early in the 2024 season. Detroit demoted him to Triple-A in late May. Langer seemed to be returning to form in the minor leagues until he suffered a serious lat injury. That required surgery, which not only ended his 24-year campaign but sidelined him until August of this year. Langer has essentially been off the table for two years in a row. He pitched just once at the major league level last season, finishing a scoreless game on two hits and a walk.
There will be more to come.
