The Mariners have added another arm to the mix, claiming right-hander Troy Watson off waivers from the Tigers and slotting him into the open spot on Seattle’s 40-man roster. He’s been sent to Triple-A Tacoma, where he’ll give the club starting and long-relief depth.
Watson is 29 and was originally a late-round pick by the Blue Jays in 2018. Toronto later dealt him to Detroit for cash considerations during the 2024 season, and the Tigers brought him back on minor league deals in each of the next two offseasons.
His first year in the Tigers organization was rough, but the last two seasons in the minors have gone much better. Across 170 innings from 2025-26, mostly in Double-A and Triple-A, he posted a 2.81 ERA with a 4.21 FIP.
Detroit had added Watson to its 40-man roster this past July while keeping him at Triple-A Toledo. Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reported that Watson had “language in his contract” that would have given him the right to sign with a team in NBP or the KBO unless he was on the 40-man.
The Tigers weren’t eager to lose him, so they selected his contract and began using him in relief, apparently with an eye toward a possible big league bullpen role. That plan didn’t last long.
A few weeks later, Detroit designated him for assignment to clear room for Corey Julks.
Watson now heads to Seattle with two option years left after this season.
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