The Reid Detmers Experiment Might Be the Angels’ Biggest Win Yet
December 18, 2025 - Written by Cruz Cambero
Angels starting pitchers projected 2026 ERA via @fangraphs
— SleeperAngels (@SleeperAngels) December 15, 2025
José Soriano: 3.66 ERA
Yusei Kikuchi: 4.10 ERA
Grayson Rodriguez: 3.81 ERA
Reid Detmers: 4.09 ERA
Alek Manoah: 4.88 ERA pic.twitter.com/vWtOC6sVxq
Earlier this offseason, it was announced that Reid Detmers would be moving back into the Angels’ starting rotation, a move that comes after a stellar season out of the backend of the bullpen last year. Detmers posted a sub-4.00 ERA in over 60 innings pitched out of the pen, along with a 5- 3 record. His success in that role has led to his return to the rotation, an intriguing one.
Two of the most promising indicators heading into Detmers’ return as a starter are his 1.30 WHIP and 1.3 WAR from last season. Those numbers suggest that his effectiveness should translate well into a starting role, potentially elevating him into a top-end starter for the Angels. Looking back at his previous years in the rotation, Detmers was above average in two of his four seasons as a starter, posting over 2 WAR in both 2022 and 2023.
One of the biggest reasons behind the Angels’ confidence in moving Detmers back into the rotation is the hiring of pitching coach Mike Maddux. Maddux has a long track record of helping pitchers reach All-Star and even Cy Young levels of performance. A recent comparison can be made to Patrick Corbin’s resurgence with the Rangers last year, where Maddux previously coached. Both Corbin and Detmers are left-handed pitchers who lack overpowering fastballs and instead rely on movement, command, and overall “stuff”. The difference is that Detmers has significantly more talent and upside at this stage of his career.
With Maddux’s influence and Detmers’ potential, there is a strong case to be made that Detmers could emerge as an All-Star and solidify himself as one of the top starters in the Angels’ rotation this upcoming season. Even so, the Angels may not be finished adding to their pitching staff. After already bringing in Alek Manoah and Grayson Rodriguez, it would not be surprising to see them pursue one more starter, possibly Zac Gallen, as mentioned in a previous article.
Another advantage for the Angels is that they still control Detmers for three more years through arbitration. If he struggles in his transition back to the rotation, the team has the flexibility to move him back into the bullpen, where he has already proven he can thrive. That versatility makes Detmers the ultimate Swiss Army knife on the pitching staff.
Whether Detmers reclaims his form as a starter or eventually returns to a bullpen role, the Angels have plenty to be excited about. His competitiveness, adaptability, and upside make him a valuable asset, and the organization should feel confident about what Detmers can contribute for years to come.
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