Tigers Take a Chance on High-Upside Arm with Waiver Claim of Yoniel Curet

 

The Detroit Tigers continue to quietly reshape their pitching depth, making a low-risk, potentially high-reward move by claiming right-handed pitcher Yoniel Curet off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The move comes as Detroit navigates early-season instability on the mound, compounded by injuries and inconsistent performances. To make room on the roster, the Tigers placed center fielder Parker Meadows on the 60-day injured list, signaling that reinforcements—especially on the pitching side—are becoming a priority.

Curet, just 23 years old, arrives in Detroit with intriguing upside despite not yet making his Major League debut. He has been optioned to the Florida Complex League, where he will begin ramping up before an expected assignment to Triple-A Toledo.

A Prospect Worth Watching

While still unproven at the MLB level, Curet’s minor league track record suggests real potential. Last season, he posted a dominant 1.45 ERA and 0.911 WHIP in Double-A, showcasing strong command and swing-and-miss ability. Even after a promotion to Triple-A, where his numbers dipped slightly, he still managed to strike out 35 batters in just over 31 innings—evidence of a pitcher with legitimate strikeout stuff.

Across both levels, Curet recorded 62 strikeouts in 55.1 innings, demonstrating versatility as both a starter and reliever. That flexibility could prove valuable for a Tigers team searching for answers in multiple roles.

Timing Could Open the Door

Detroit’s rotation situation may create a fast track to the majors for Curet. Veteran ace Justin Verlander is currently sidelined, and other options have yet to solidify themselves as reliable contributors. That uncertainty opens the door for a young arm like Curet to make an impact sooner rather than later.

Manager A. J. Hinch and the Tigers front office appear to be betting on upside—adding a pitcher who, if developed correctly, could become a valuable piece of the pitching staff.

Low Risk, Potential Reward

Waiver claims rarely generate headlines, but they often produce hidden gems. For the Tigers, this move fits a broader strategy of building depth while searching for breakout contributors.

Curet may begin the season out of the spotlight, but if his minor league success translates even partially to the next level, Detroit could find itself with a valuable arm at a critical point in the season.

For now, he’s a name to watch—one that could quietly become part of the Tigers’ pitching solution as the year unfolds.