Nashville, TN -- The Detroit Tigers continue to revamp their bullpen, making the signing of reliever Mark Lowe official Tuesday afternoon.
The two-year deal, which was first reported Sunday night, is worth $11 million, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
"Mark solidifies the back end of our bullpen," Al Avila, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager said in the team's press release. "He is coming off a solid season and is someone we felt would upgrade our relief pitching.”
With the Tigers adding a pair of starting pitchers last week in Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey, Lowe's signing further affirms the Tigers' top priority this offseason -- pitching.
The 32-year-old Lowe, who spent time with both the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays last season, would presumably serve as the set-up man for closer Francisco Rodrguez, who was acquired via a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this winter.
Avila said the club received positive reports from both minor-league manager Lloyd McClendon, who managed him in Seattle, and second baseman Ian Kinsler, who played with him in Texas, about Lowe's character and mental makeup.
"We knew quite a bit about him as afar as his makeup and ability," Avila said of McClendon vouching for Lowe." He had high praises for him. Also, he knows Kinsler very well and Kinsler spoke very highly of him too. We know we have a good guy in the clubhouse and a good guy on the mound."
From a pitching standpoint, Lowe had a bounce-back 2015 season after a string of minor-league contracts the previous year. One reason behind his resurgence? A slider that he has used with increased frequency that has become a highly effective pitch for him. According to BrooksBaseball.com, he used his slider at a rate of 49.5 percent in 2015 and 64.84 percent in 2014.
One major-league scout told ESPN.com that the two most vital components to his success will be his health and cutting down on walks.
"Has always had good stuff," the scout told ESPN.com. "Will be good if he stays healthy."
According to Avila, the bullpen additions are not done, with the first-year general manager telling reporters on Monday that the club is still seeking to add a lefthanded reliever, either through free agency or a trade.
As it stands, the Tigers don't have something imminent, though they have been in contact with a few free agents and a few teams regarding trades.
"I can't tell you we're close to something right now."