Detroit Tigers News

Spencer Torkelson  • 1B  •  Tigers

Mets Interested In Acquiring Spencer Torkelson

According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in trading for Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson. The former No.1 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft had a disappointing campaign last summer and could be without a role in the starting lineup this season. In 2024, Torkelson posted an underwhelming .219/.295/.374 line with just 10 home runs. Earlier this offseason, the Tigers acquired second baseman Gleyber Torres and plan to move Colt Keith to first base. However, in 2023, the Arizona State product flashed some upside as he held a .233/.313/.446 line with 31 home runs. With Torkelson not having a defined role for the upcoming season, it could make him easier to acquire if the Mets are unable to resign Pete Alonso. The Mets might also acquire Torkelson to provide some depth at first base, as Mark Vientos will likely cover that position in the short term, which will leave Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, and Ronny Mauricio to share time at the hot corner.
2 days ago   
Jason Foley  • RP  •  Tigers

Jason Foley Avoids Arbitration With Tigers

The Detroit Tigers avoided salary arbitration with right-hander Jason Foley on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.15 million deal. In addition to Foley, Detroit also signed one-year deals for 2025 with infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling ($3.005 million), catcher Jake Rogers ($2.64 million), right-handers Casey Mize ($2.34 million), Will Vest ($1.4 million) and Beau Brieske ($1.025 million), and infielders Zach McKinstry ($1.65 million) and Andy Ibanez ($1.4 million). Foley broke out in 2024 with a career-high 28 saves for the Tigers while also sporting a 3.15 ERA (3.82 FIP), a 1.18 WHIP and a 46:20 K:BB in 60 innings pitched. Although the Tigers are a team on the rise after making the postseason last year, Foley lost the closing job midseason and also during the playoffs, so fantasy managers shouldn't bet on a repeat.
Jan 11   
Tarik Skubal  • SP  •  Tigers

Tarik Skubal, Tigers Avoid Arbitration

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Detroit Tigers and starting pitcher Tarik Skubal settled on a one-year contract with $10.15 million to avoid arbitration. Skubal was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball last season en route to winning the American League Cy Young Award. Across 192 innings, which was a career-high, the southpaw posted a 2.39 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP with an 18-4 record. He generated a stellar 2.72 xERA and .208 xBA. He generated strikeouts at an elite 30.3% rate and whiffs at a 31.9% rate. He also limited hard contact at a solid 33.9% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should view Skubal as one of the top pitchers in baseball heading into the 2025 campaign. Given his elite strikeout ability and ability to limit hard contact, he is worthy of being viewed as the SP1 in all formats.
Jan 9   
Gleyber Torres  • 2B  •  Tigers

Toronto Showed Interest In Gleyber Torres

According to Sports Illustrated, the Toronto Blue Jays expressed interest in second baseman Gleyber Torres before he signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays acquired second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians but were also interested in adding further depth to their infield. Instead, Torres ended up signing a one-year deal with the Tigers. While the source did not confirm, it can be expected that the Blue Jays were interested in targeting Torres before trading for Gimenez as they both are primary second baseman. The Blue Jays have been linked to several free agents all offseason including the top players on the market such as Max Fried and Juan Soto but have fallen short in the bidding. Torres is expected to start at the keystone every day in Detroit in 2025 while the Toronto infield currently consists of Ernie Clement, Bo Bichette, Gimenez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Dec 30   
Spencer Torkelson  • 1B  •  Tigers

Spencer Torkelson's 2025 Role Not Defined

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson's role for the 2025 season has yet to be defined, according to general manager Scott Harris. The Tigers signed infielder Gleyber Torres on Friday in free agency to be their everyday second baseman next year. Colt Keith, who was the starter at the keystone as a rookie in 2024, will shift over to first base next year. With the 25-year-old Torkelson's role up in the air, the Tigers will most likely look to shop him on the trade market. But if he stays in Detroit, the former top overall pick from Arizona State could end up being on the short side of a platoon at either first base or designated hitter. Torkelson hit 31 homers and drove in 94 in 2023 but took a big step backwards in 2024, was demoted to the minors for a bit and had a .219/.295/.374 slash line with just 10 homers and 37 RBI in 92 games. His stock is way down heading into fantasy drafts next spring.
Dec 27   
Colt Keith  • 1B  •  Tigers

Colt Keith To Move To First Base In 2025

The Detroit Tigers will move infielder Colt Keith to first base next year after signing second baseman Gleyber Torres in free agency, according to general manager Scott Harris. Torres will be Detroit's everyday second baseman. The 23-year-old Keith will be playing first base for the first time in his professional career next year and will have eligibility in fantasy at both second and first, giving him a bit more value. With Keith now at first base, it's unclear what role former first-rounder Spencer Torkelson will fill, but it's possible he could be more of a full-time designated hitter. Keith, who hits from the left side, had flashes in his first big-league season in 2024 and finished with a .260/.309/.380 slash line with a below-average .689 OPS, 13 home runs, 61 RBI, seven steals and 54 runs in 516 at-bats. He will need to improve his batted-ball metrics in order to take a step forward in his sophomore season in 2025.
Dec 27   
Gleyber Torres  • 2B  •  Tigers

Gleyber Torres Headed To Detroit On One-Year Deal

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres has agreed to a one-year contract worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers. Last season with the Yankees, Torres posted a career-low .257/.33/.378 slash line with just 15 home runs and four stolen bases. He tallied 26 doubles and 63 RBI. Under the hood, he generated a poor .307 xwOBA, 2.40 xBA, and a .368 xSLG, which were all below the 40th percentile among qualified hitters. However, he showed a solid eye at the plate with a 9.8% walk rate and a 20.5% strikeout rate, both of which were above the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Torres to spend most of his time at the keystone in Detroit, which will move Colt Keith to the hot corner or even first base. This may make it difficult for young infielders Jace Jung or Trey Sweeney to find consistent playing time as well.
Dec 27   
Gleyber Torres  • 2B  •  Tigers

Gleyber Torres Turns Down Deal From Nationals

Free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres has reportedly declined an offer from the Washington Nationals because he doesn't want to play third base. Possibly, Torres is just giving an excuse because he didn't want to join the 71-win Nationals club. However, there have been reports in the past about Torres not wanting to move away from second base. The 28-year-old was once the top prospect in a trade to the New York Yankees that landed the Chicago Cubs reliever Aroldis Chapman for their 2016 World Series run. Since then, Torres has put together a few All-Star seasons and has been a serviceable player over the last seven seasons. Last season, Torres hit .257/.330/.378 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI in 154 games in the Bronx. He should be able to get a multi-year deal this offseason, but his inability to move positions could hurt his market value.
Dec 27   
Akil Baddoo  • LF  •  Tigers

Akil Baddoo Remaining With Tigers

Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was designated for assignment last week, but will stick with the organization. Baddoo has struggled in each of the last three seasons after entering the MLB with a bang in 2021. Baddoo hit .259/.330/.436 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI with 18 stolen bases during his rookie season in 2021 with the Tigers. Last season, Baddoo posted his worst stats of his career with a .159 batting average with two home runs and five RBI in 31 games. He figures to start the season in the minors and could get another chance if he can prove himself in Toledo.
Dec 19   
Ryan Miller  • RP  •  Tigers

Ryan Miller Signs With Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have signed relief pitcher Ryan Miller to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels last season. He finished with a 4.15 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and a 11/8 K/BB ratio across 13 innings with the Halos. He looked better in the minors with a 2.45 ERA and 61/14 K/BB ratio in 34 appearances in Triple-A last season. At worst, Miller is decent bullpen depth for the Tigers, but he should get a chance to win a bullpen spot in spring training.
Dec 19   
Javier Báez  • SS  •  Tigers

Javier Baez Expected To Start Defensive Drills This Week

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) has initiated a running program and is expected to begin light defensive drills later this week. Baez underwent season-ending hip surgery in August, but based on his current progress, he may be ready for Spring Training. Earlier this offseason, team president Scott Harris noted that the former World Series champion will have a role on the 2025 roster. Before the injury, the 32-year-old posted a .184/.221/.294 line with just six home runs and eight stolen bases. He generated a low .264 xwOBA and .345 xSLG. In addition, he posted a low 4.2% walk rate and a high 23.9% K rate. While he may have a role in the starting nine as the everyday shortstop, fantasy managers should keep Baez off their radar, given his lack of stable offensive output.
Dec 10   
Colt Keith  • 1B  •  Tigers

Colt Keith, Justyn-Henry Malloy Will Get Work At First Base At Spring Training

According to Chris McCosky, the Tigers are planning to use Colt Keith and Justyn-Henry Malloy at first base during Spring Training. While McCosky noted that Keith will still likely operate as the regular second baseman, this move could just add more positional flexibility to the roster. Keith made his major league debut last season and logged 133 of his starts at the keystone and the other 14 as the designated hitter. He held a .260/.309/.380 slash line. Malloy, however, made all of his starts in the outfield, and shifting to first base could provide him more opportunities during the 2025 season. Across a 71-game stint in the majors this past summer, Malloy held an underwhelming .203/.291/.366 line with seven doubles and eight home runs. Given his struggles, moving to first base could get him in the lineup more often, while Keith should be viewed as the No.1 second baseman heading into Spring Training.
Dec 10   
Alex Lange  • RP  •  Tigers

Alex Lange Begins Playing Catch

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Alex Lange (lat) has begun playing catch three times a week from 120 feet, according to the team. Lange underwent lat surgery in June which caused him to miss the entire second half of the 2024 season. Before the injury, the 29-year-old posted a 3.34 ERA and 1.77 WHIP across 18 2/3 innings. He tallied two saves and posted an underwhelming 17:21 BB:K ratio. However, he did generate whiffs at an elite 33.3% mark. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Spring Training, as he may be able to participate, given his current pace. While Jason Foley will likely operate as the go-to ninth-inning option in Detroit this coming season, Lange could eventually mix in for opportunities as he tallied 26 saves during the 2023 season.
Dec 10   
Jace Jung  • 3B  •  Tigers

Jace Jung Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training

Detroit Tigers third base prospect Jace Jung (wrist) underwent wrist surgery earlier this offseason to address lingering wrist inflammation. However, the team noted that the young infielder is expected to be ready for Spring Training. The Texas Tech product spent the majority of the 2024 season with Triple-A Toledo before earning a late-season promotion to the big leagues. Across 91 games at Triple-A, the former 12th-overall pick held a .257/.377/.454 line with 23 doubles and 14 home runs. In 34 games at the major league level, Jung held a similar .241/.362/.304 line. Under the hood, he generated a weak 34.0% hard-hit rate and a 4.0% barrel rate. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his progress during Spring Training as he should be in a good position to make the Opening Day Roster.
Dec 10   
Sawyer Gipson-Long  • SP  •  Tigers

Sawyer Gipson-Long Continuing Rehab Program

According to the Detroit Tigers, starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is playing catch from 120 feet three times a week. Gipson-Long is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April and also a hip operation he underwent in July and was unable to pitch at all last summer. In 2023, the Mercer product made his major league debut and performed quite well as he posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 20 innings (four starts.) During this small stint, he struck out 26 batters and served up eight walks. Across 34 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Gipson-Long has posted a 5.45 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the first half of the season, as he may find himself back in rotation once he returns to the mound.
Dec 10   
Alex Cobb  • SP  •  Tigers

Alex Cobb Agrees With Tigers On One-Year Deal

Free-agent veteran right-hander Alex Cobb agreed with the Detroit Tigers on an undisclosed one-year deal on Monday, according to sources. The contract is pending a physical. The Tigers had been looking for a cheap one-year deal for a starting pitcher this offseason, and they'll land on the 37-year-old Cobb, who has familiarity with president of baseball operations Scott Harris from their time together with the San Francisco Giants. Cobb began 2024 with San Fran but then joined the Cleveland Guardians in the second half, but he appeared in just 16 1/3 regular-season innings due to multiple injuries. He was good when healthy, though, with a 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in his three starts. Cobb has the track record to be a solid midrange starter for Detroit, but he's injury-prone late in his career and doesn't strike out many batters, limiting his fantasy upside.
Dec 10   
Andy Ibáñez  • 2B  •  Tigers

Andy Ibanez, Tigers Settle On One-Year Deal

Infielder Andy Ibanez and the Detroit Tigers avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $1.4 million deal, according to sources. Ibanez gets a raise after earning $633,900 in his second year with Detroit in 2024. The 31-year-old veteran from Cuba wasn't quite as good this past season, though, slashing a very mediocre .241/.295/.357 with a below-average .652 OPS, only five home runs, 32 RBI, two stolen bases and 30 runs scored in 99 regular-season games. Ibanez's greatest asset is his glove and his ability to play pretty much anywhere on the infield besides catcher. He also makes plenty of contact with the lumber, but there's very little power to speak. Ibanez will likely be in a utility role again for the Tigers in 2025, which limits his fantasy value to AL-only leagues as depth. He has a career .256/.305/.396 slash line with 24 homers in four MLB seasons.
Nov 23   
Jahmai Jones  • RF  •  Tigers

Tigers Sign Jahmai Jones To Minor-League Deal

The Detroit Tigers signed infielder/outfielder Jahmai Jones to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to camp. The 27-year-old last played with the Yankees in 2024, having logged just 47 plate appearances this season in 33 games, slashing .238/.304/.381 before he was sent down to Triple-A in August for the rest of the season. The former second-round draft pick hit well at Triple-A, batting .304 with an .880 OPS while adding 10 steals in 34 games, and owns a career slashline of .259/.351/.756 in the minors, but has yet to translate that to the big leagues. There are financial incentives in his contract if he makes the big league roster out of camp, but regardless, he'd likely be no more than a platoon player. If Jones were able to work his way into an everyday role, then presumably he'd be hitting and, combined with his speed, he could be an impactful fantasy asset. But that is a big 'if' at this point.
Nov 21   
Tarik Skubal  • SP  •  Tigers

Tarik Skubal Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal won the AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday, the first time the 28-year-old has won the award. The lefty dominated in his 15 starts in 2023 after his return from Tommy John surgery and backed it up with a full season of dominance in 2024. The southpaw went 18-4 while posting a 2.39 ERA -- FIP, xFIP, and SIERA were all under 3.00 as well -- with a 0.92 WHIP, and an elite 25.6% K-BB% in 31 starts (192 IP). The former ninth-round draft pick also made it to his first All-Star game this season. He'll certainly cost quite a bit more in 2025 fantasy drafts than he did this year, but so long as he can stay healthy, he has the repertoire to deliver on a high draft-day price tag.
Nov 21   
Josue Briceno  • C  •  Tigers

Josue Briceno Wins AFL MVP After Triple-Crown Campaign

Detroit Tigers catching prospect Josue Briceno took home the Arizona Fall League's Joe Black MVP Award after he led the circuit in all three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.433), on-base percentage (.509), and HR (10). But it wasn't just those stats, the 20-year-old also led in hits (39), RBI (27), and OPS (1.376). The Venezuelan missed more than three months with a PCL sprain in his right knee which forced the backstop to work as a first baseman and designated hitter in the AFL. It's unclear which level of the minors he will start at next season after playing at Single-A in his limited action in 2024, but this type of performance could propel him to the bigs sooner than expected, although that is still likely a couple of years away.
Nov 17   
LEGEND
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