LAKELAND, Fla. — On Wednesday, the Detroit Tigers struck a deal with relief pitcher John Brebbia, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million. This contract has the potential to escalate to $14.25 million if certain performance conditions are met over the course of two years.
At 34 years old, Brebbia will earn a base salary of $2.25 million in the first year. The agreement includes a team option for 2027 valued at $4 million, which comes with a $500,000 buyout. The option’s value can rise depending on Brebbia’s performance this season; he could earn an additional $1 million for pitching in 45 or 50 games, as well as $500,000 for reaching 65 games pitched. He could also earn $2 million if he finishes 55 games, but the total escalation has a limit of $4 million.
In addition to the base salary, Brebbia has the opportunity to earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses each year. Specifically, he could receive $250,000 for pitching in 50, 55, 60, and 65 games, as well as additional bonuses of $250,000 for finishing in 40, 45, 50, and 55 games.
Brebbia’s previous season began with the Chicago White Sox before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves on August 31. His overall record for the last season was 0-6, with a 6.28 ERA across 54 appearances in relief. In total, he struck out 67 batters while walking 19 over 55 1/3 innings. However, his performance improved during his September stint with Atlanta, boasting a 2.70 ERA in five games, where he managed nine strikeouts with only two walks.
With a total of seven seasons in Major League Baseball, Brebbia’s career stats include a record of 15-21, four saves, and a 3.80 ERA during his time with St. Louis (2017-2019), San Francisco (2021-2023), the White Sox (2024), and the Braves (2024). He underwent Tommy John surgery on June 8, 2020, and made his return to the majors on June 20, 2021.
To clear a roster spot for Brebbia, the Tigers have placed right-handed pitcher Alex Lange on the 60-day injured list. Lange is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn right lat muscle that was performed on June 25.
