Pitching Coach Chris Fetter Has Transformed The Detroit Tigers

Chris Fetter is not a name many people have heard of unless you are a Detroit Tigers fan.

Fetter has become the best pitching coach in all of baseball.

In November 2020, after turning down multiple offers from MLB teams, Fetter was finally convinced. AJ Hinch had taken over in Detroit and sold Fetter on a vision. Hinch promised Fetter ample new-age resources to help build the Detroit staff. It was a fairly bold move.

Before Fetter ed the Detroit Tigers, they had the worst pitching staff in the MLB. Their team ERA in 2020 was a dreadful 5.63. This ranked dead last in the MLB.

AJ Hinch stated, “We were looking for somebody that could impact young pitchers and old. Certainly, analytics play into it. I want him to be up to date on the technology, the pitch shapes, the pitch usage, and how to squeeze the most out of every pitcher he coaches.”

Fetter sold a vision of new-age technology combined with his innate ability to connect with pitchers of all ages on a human level.

All stats below are as of April 27, 2025.

Is The Fetter Effect Real Or Overblown?

We will take a look at the evidence of the Fetter effect.

Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal is the reigning AL CY Young Award winner. He had a superb 2024 campaign.

• 18-4 record
• 2.39 ERA
• 0.92 WHIP

Skubal was highly regarded before Fetter ed the Tigers.

Jack Flaherty

Flaherty is a better example of the Fetter effect than Skubal.

Between 2020-2023, Flaherty had a 4.42 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired Flaherty at the trade deadline in 2023. He was a disaster. In nine appearances, he posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.

The Tigers signed him to a one-year deal. With Detroit, Flaherty posted a 2.95 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 18 starts.

The Tigers traded Flaherty at the trade deadline, and the Fetter effect was clear.

• Detroit 2024: 2.95 ERA and 0.96 WHIP
• Los Angeles Dodgers 2024: 4.65 ERA and 1.35 WHIP

Flaherty re-ed the Tigers before the 2025 season. In six starts so far this season, he has a 3.34 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.

Tyler Holton

The Tigers claimed Holton off waivers in February 2023.

In the minors, Holton had a 5.02 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 154.1 innings pitched.

With Fetter, Holton has a 2.20 ERA and 0.84 WHIP (best in the league) in 192 innings pitched.

Andrew Chafin

Here is a breakdown of Chafin with and without Fetter.

Chafin with Fetter (2022): 2.83 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

In 2023, without Fetter, Chafin had a 4.73 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.

Chafin with Fetter in 2024 had a 3.16 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. In 2024, without Fetter, Chafin recorded a 4.19 ERA and 1.66 WHIP.

Reese Olson

Reese Olson in the minors:

• 371.1 innings pitched
• 4.42 ERA
• 1.39 WHIP

Olson in the MLB with Fetter:

• 243.1 innings pitched
• 3.70 ERA
• 1.16 WHIP

Fetter took Olson, who was not even a top 150 prospect, and made him a critical piece for the Detroit Tigers’ rotation.

Brant Hurter

Brant Hurter in the minors:

• 296 innings pitched
• 4.04 ERA
• 1.24 WHIP

Hurter in the MLB with Fetter:

• 62.1 innings pitched
• 2.60 ERA
• 0.88 WHIP

A fringe AAA middle reliever has become a lights-out reliever for the Tigers with Fetter.

Brenan Hanifee

Brenan Hanifee in the minors:

• 510.2 innings pitched
• 3.86 ERA
• 1.27 WHIP

Hanifee in the MLB with Fetter:

• 47.1 innings pitched
• 2.09 ERA
• 1.14 WHIP

Will Vest

Will Vest in the minors:

• 4.34 ERA
• 1.28 WHIP

With the Seattle Mariners:

• 6.17 ERA
• 1.60 WHIP

Vest with Fetter (2023-Present):

• 2.69 ERA
• 1.06 WHIP

Eduardo Rodriguez

Eduardo Rodriguez with the Boston Red Sox – 2021:

• 4.74 ERA
• 1.39 WHIP

With Fetter 2022-2023:

• 3.58 ERA
• 1.22 WHIP

Rodriguez with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2024-Present):

• 4.81 ERA
• 1.42 WHIP

The Fetter Effect Is Real

As the evidence mounts, it is clear that the Fetter effect is very real.

Every pitcher that works with Fetter improves drastically. Once they leave, they struggle.

Detroit has an outstanding pitching rotation and bullpen.

Chris Fetter is the best pitching coach in the MLB.