The Detroit Tigers have added veteran relief pitcher Colin Poche to their organization through a minor league contract, as first reported by Driveline Baseball. According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Poche will not be invited to major league spring training camp. This move comes after Poche’s recent difficulties maintaining performance at the highest level of play.
Recent Performance Challenges and Release from Mets
Poche last pitched in Major League Baseball during the early part of the 2023 season, appearing in 13 games for the Washington Nationals and a single game with the New York Mets on June 28. Over 9 1/3 innings combined, he struggled significantly, surrendering 14 runs (13 earned), allowing 12 hits, and issuing 14 walks. His control issues continued when he played for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate, which led to his release in August. The 32-year-old left-hander then participated in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he allowed six runs on eight hits and seven walks across 6 2/3 innings.
Skills and Outlook for the Upcoming Season
Throughout his career, Poche has demonstrated solid strikeout ability and maintained a respectable ERA, posting a 3.63 ERA and a 9.2% walk rate over 208 1/3 innings pitched with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2019 through 2023. He struck out 27% of batters faced, aided by his unique over-the-top delivery and a backspinning fastball that often generated easy pop-ups at the top of the strike zone. However, control has become a critical concern, limiting his chances to secure an Opening Day roster spot with the Tigers. He is expected to begin the 2024 season with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, where improvement in command could earn him a call-up to reinforce Detroit’s middle relief later in the season.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects
Though Poche’s velocity has never been overpowering, his distinctive pitching mechanics and ability to induce weak contact could still make him a valuable bullpen option if he regains consistent control. His start in Triple-A will serve as a test to determine if he can adjust and return to a form that warrants consideration for a midseason promotion. For the Tigers, this minor league deal represents a low-risk opportunity to add experienced pitching depth to their system.
Congratulations Colin Poche (@colinpoche) on signing with the Detroit @tigers 💥
Swipe to see some of Colin's work this offseason ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DPXyNFhV5v
— Driveline Baseball (@DrivelineBB) February 25, 2026
Tigers have signed 32-year-old veteran lefty Colin Poche to minors deal, no camp invite. Tommy John surgery cost him 2020 and 2021. In 2023, he went 12-3 with a 2.23 ERA for Tampa Bay. But he's struggled to maintain his control (12 walks in 8.2 IP with Nats last year.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) February 26, 2026
