Detroit Tigers News

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Josue Briceno • 1B • Tigers

Josue Briceno a Name to Monitor in Detroit's System

Detroit Tigers catching prospect Josue Briceno made significant strides last season and could be in contention for a second-half MLB debut in 2026. The backstop began the season with High-A but needed only 55 games with West Michigan to prove he was ready to join Double-A. During his stint at High-A, Briceno posted an elite .296/.422/.602 line with 13 doubles and 15 home runs. He was then moved up to Double-A, where he took a step back, carrying a .232/.335/.381 line with six doubles, five home runs, and a 47:25 K:BB. Managers should expect the Tigers to keep Briceno at Double-A, given his inconsistency in the second half to begin 2026. However, he may only need a brief stint to prove he is ready to join Triple-A. Given the power upside he showed at High-A, Briceno would be a popular stash candidate once he is nearing an MLB promotion.

Yesterday

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal Trade Remains "Slim" Approaching Spring Training

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, a trade involving Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal remains slim in the final stages of the offseason. Skubal, who is in the final year of his contract, has had his name in many trade discussions this winter. However, Detroit's asking price has been quite high, and no suitor has matched it. According to reports, the Tigers asked the New York Mets for five of their top prospects in return for the left-hander. The Mets would then pivot to acquire Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta for only two of their top prospects. Skubal has won the AL Cy Young in back-to-back seasons and remains an elite SP1 for all fantasy formats heading into 2026. Last summer, Skubal posted a dominant 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, with a 241:33 K:BB across 195 1/3 innings.

Yesterday

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tigers Wanted Mets' Five Best Prospects for Tarik Skubal?

The New York Post's Joel Sherman writes that the New York Mets got indications that Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal might have cost them their "five best prospects" in a trade. New York's five best prospects were Nolan McLean, Carson Benge, Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat before they traded Williams and Sproat to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-hander Freddy Peralta this week. The Tigers have a sky-high asking price for Skubal, who won his second straight American League Cy Young award in 2025 after setting career highs in ERA (2.21), WHIP (0.89), strikeouts (241), and innings pitched (195 1/3). The 29-year-old southpaw is the most dominant starting pitcher in the game right now, and although he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, it appears Detroit will hang onto him for now.

4 days ago

Corey Julks • LF • Tigers

Tigers, Corey Julks Agree to Minor-League Deal

Free-agent outfielder Corey Julks signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers last week, and The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reports that the deal includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training and would pay $875,000 if Julks makes the major-league roster. Julks has spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Across 525 MLB plate appearances, the 29-year-old has slashed .234/.288/.337 with nine home runs, 23 doubles, and 20 stolen bases, good for a 74 wRC+. He has also posted a 24.4% strikeout rate alongside a modest 7.0% walk rate. A right-handed hitter, Julks has historically crushed left-handed pitching in the minors but has yet to translate that success to the major league level. Defensively, he has experience at all three outfield spots, though he is best suited for a corner role. Looking ahead to 2026, the Tigers already have Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez, Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, and Jahmai Jones on the 40-man roster. If Julks does receive a call-up, it is unlikely to be a long-term opportunity unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Outside of the deepest dynasty leagues, you can leave Julks off your fantasy radar for now.

6 days ago

Kevin McGonigle • SS • Tigers

Kevin McGonigle to Push for Early Triple-A Promotion?

Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle is a name to closely monitor early in the season. McGonigle enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign and is quickly approaching the top level of the Detroit system. Last season, the No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, trailing only Pittsburgh's Konnor Griffin, opened the season at Low-A but quickly reached Double-A by the second half. Across 88 total games, McGonigle held an elite .305/.408/.583 line. Through 46 games with Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a .254/.369/.550 line with 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. While McGonigle remains at least one stop away from the majors, he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he can carry this production into Triple-A. He remains a high-end dynasty asset that could hold redraft value late in the regular season.

Jan 19

Colt Keith • 2B • Tigers

Colt Keith Could Serve as Tigers' Primary Third Baseman?

Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith could be primed to "lock down a large share of playing time at third base," per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. The 24-year-old has spent time at every infield position other than shortstop so far in his big league career, but saw more appearances as a designated hitter than anywhere else in 2025. Stavenhagen notes that Detroit has a multitude of options at the hot corner, namely, veterans Javier Baez, Zach McKinstry, and Matt Vierling, as well as prospects Kevin McGonigle and Max Anderson. As such, Keith is not guaranteed to hold the job throughout the season, but he may enter Spring Training as the favorite to start at third base on Opening Day. Across 468 plate appearances for Detroit in 2025, Keith posted a .256/.333/.413 slash line with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 65 runs scored, and one stolen base. He's been significantly better against right-handed pitching (.731 OPS) than left-handed pitching (.610 OPS) so far in his career.

Jan 16

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark In Position for Early Triple-A Promotion?

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has continued to progress at a steady pace through the system and is nearing the top level of the minor leagues. In 2025, the former third overall pick began the season with High-A, but eventually made his debut at Double-A Erie in the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Clark posted a strong .285/.430/.427 line with an elite 56:65 K:BB. During his first taste of Double-A action, the 21-year-old took a bit of a step back but remained productive, carrying a .251/.360/.439 line with a.799 OPS. He continued to show a strong eye at the plate, drawing 29 walks compared to 34 strikeouts. If Clark can see his production reach a new level with Double-A to begin the 20226 campaign, Clark could reach Triple-A early in the first half, which may leave the door open for a late-season MLB debut.

Jan 16

Riley Greene • LF • Tigers

Riley Greene, Tigers Avoid Arbitration

Outfielder Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $5 million contract for 2026, avoiding arbitration, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. In 2025, Greene set a career high with 36 home runs, 111 RBI, and 84 runs while slashing .258/.313/.493, good for a 121 wRC+. Greene's new power-focused approach came with a cost, though, as he posted a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, setting the record for most strikeouts in a single season in Tigers history. Looking ahead to 2026, if the 28-year-old from Florida maintains this approach, he is expected to hit around 30 home runs with a .250 batting average. At his current ADP of 73, he is a safe bet to return value as one of your top outfielders.

Jan 9

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal, Tigers Headed for Salary Arbitration?

The Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal did not reach an agreement on a contract on Thursday and may be headed to salary arbitration, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press confirmed that the two sides are expected to go to court, and that will become official at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday. Skubal is coming off back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards, and in 2025, he posted a 2.72 ERA (2.71 SIERA) with a career-high 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP across 195 1/3 innings. Despite offseason trade rumors suggesting the Tigers were willing to listen to offers, Skubal appears set to open the 2026 season in Detroit. Barring injury, he remains poised for another elite fantasy season and will most likely be the first pitcher drafted in all fantasy leagues.

Jan 9

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic

Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal announced on X Thursday afternoon that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Skubal is coming off another Cy Young season, and now he will demonstrate his dominance on the world stage. Last year, the 29-year-old pitched to a 2.21 ERA (2.72 xERA) with a 32.2 K-BB% and a 0.89 WHIP across a career-high 195 1/3 innings. Skubal joins National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes to create the best 1-2 punch the world has ever seen. Team USA's first game is on March 6 at 8 p.m. EST against Brazil.

Dec 19

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Kenley Jansen Agrees to One-Year Deal With Tigers

Free-agent right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen and the Detroit Tigers agreed on a one-year, $11 million deal on Saturday, pending a physical, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Jansen is the second reliever that the Tigers have added this week after they re-signed right-hander Kyle Finnegan to a two-year deal during the winter meetings. Jansen's deal also includes a team option for 2027. Despite being 38 years old, Jansen could open next season as the favorite for saves in Detroit because of his experience (476 career saves). He didn't look his age at all in 2025 with the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 29 saves, 57 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 59 innings out of the bullpen. With that said, Jansen is clearly no longer in his prime, and he's going to have much more competition for saves next year in Finnegan and Will Vest.

Dec 15

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Tigers Continue to Pursue Kenley Jansen

Chris Cotillo of Mass Live reports that the Detroit Tigers continue to pursue free-agent right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen, even after they re-signed Kyle Finnegan. The reliever market has moved quickly this past week, and Jansen might be the next one to sign with a team. It's a bit curious that Detroit is still in the market to add the 38-year-old Jansen, though, since they already have both Finnegan and Will Vest to handle closing duties going into next season. If Detroit were to sign Jansen as well, it's unclear how they would structure the back end of their bullpen. Jansen had a solid season in 2025 with the Halos and was tied for eighth in the league with 29 saves. He is nowhere near the dominant closer he once was, but he still posted a very respectable 2.59 ERA and 0.95 WHIP while striking out 57 hitters in 59 innings. The future Hall of Famer's 476 career saves could make him the favorite for closing duties if he were to land in Motown.

Dec 13

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Detroit Tigers "surprised teams by engaging in serious talks" around the possibility of trading starting pitcher Tarik Skubal at the winter meetings this week. Nightengale goes on to predict that Detroit will hang on to Skubal, but it's still noteworthy that the team is apparently willing to listen to offers for its star pitcher. The 29-year-old has won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards. Across 195 1/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, Skubal pitched to a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts. While the Tigers presumably expect to contend, Skubal can be a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. If the team is unwilling to shell out a monster contract, it could decide that getting a trade return for Skubal is better than watching him leave for nothing.

Dec 11

Kyle Finnegan • RP • Tigers

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal

The Detroit Tigers and right-handed closer Kyle Finnegan agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract on Tuesday night, pending a physical, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Finnegan will return to Motown after the Tigers acquired him at last summer's trade deadline from the Washington Nationals. The 34-year-old veteran was outstanding in his 16 relief appearances for Detroit, allowing just three earned runs while walking four and striking out 23 in 18 regular-season innings. He also recorded four saves while sharing closing duties with right-hander Will Vest. Finnegan wasn't nearly as dominant with the Nats before the trade, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 20 saves in 39 innings. He was third in the league in 2024 with a career-high 38 saves in D.C. Finnegan returns to an ascending Tigers club, but a fourth straight 20-save season is far from a lock.

Dec 10

Drew Anderson • RP • Tigers

Drew Anderson Agrees to One-Year Deal With Tigers

Free-agent right-hander Drew Anderson agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers on Friday that includes a club option, pending a physical, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Anderson spent the last four years pitching in Japan and Korea. The 31-year-old will come back to the United States after posting a solid 2.25 ERA in 30 starts in Korea this past season. Anderson previously signed a minor-league deal with Detroit in 2024 before departing for Japan in the middle of the year. He was a former 21st-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012 out of a high school in Nevada. In five MLB seasons with the Phillies, White Sox, and Rangers, Anderson held a 6.50 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 30 K's and 17 walks in 44 1/3 innings over 19 outings (two starts). Anderson is expected to compete for a starting role with the Tigers in spring training.

Dec 6

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tigers "Doubtful" to Trade Tarik Skubal

The New York Post's Jon Heyman said that the idea of the Detroit Tigers trading left-hander Tarik Skubal is "doubtful." The Tigers offered Skubal less than $80 million for four years at this time a year ago, but it wasn't a realistic offer, and left-hander Garrett Crochet got double that from the Boston Red Sox. Heyman thinks the Tigers will gauge the trade market for Skubal this offseason, and while he won't rule out any trade, he considers it unlikely. The 29-year-old has won the American League Cy Young in back-to-back seasons while going a combined 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 469:68 K:BB in 62 starts during the regular season. He had career-highs in 2025 in ERA (2.21), WHIP (0.89), strikeouts (241), and innings pitched (195 1/3). The Tigers are likely to hang onto him in the final year of his contract as they look to make the playoffs for the third straight year.

Nov 20

Gleyber Torres • 2B • Tigers

Gleyber Torres Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer

Second baseman Gleyber Torres has accepted the Detroit Tigers' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. It's a pretty decent and deserving raise for Torres after he made $15 million in his first year in Motown in 2025. The 28-year-old had sports hernia surgery last month, but he's expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. Plate discipline was Torres' specialty this year, and it helped him to the third All-Star selection of his career, and the first since his second year in the big leagues with the New York Yankees. In 145 regular-season games, he slashed .256/.358/.387 with a .745 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 628 plate appearances. Torres was a nice fit for the Tigers this year, but he's now had back-to-back seasons of fewer than 20 homers, and fantasy managers definitely shouldn't count on him ever returning to the 30-homer mark like he did back in 2019.

Nov 19

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal Wins AL Cy Young for Second Straight Year

Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal was named the American League Cy Young winner for the second straight year on Wednesday night, becoming the first back-to-back winner in the AL since Pedro Martinez in 1999-00, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Boston Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet finished second in the voting, with Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown coming in third. Skubal won the AL pitching Triple Crown in 2024 and followed that amazing feat up by posting an AL-best 2.21 ERA and a career-high 241 strikeouts in 195 1/3 regular-season innings in 2025. He also led baseball with a 0.89 ERA. The talented southpaw's changeup was rated as the league's most dominant pitch, and combined with his high-90s heater, he struck out 32.2% of opposing batters and limited them to a .200 average and .559 OPS. Heading into his walk year in Detroit, Skubal will be a clear high-end fantasy ace.

Nov 13

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tigers Unlikely to Trade Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers will at least listen to trade offers for left-hander Tarik Skubal, but they "would have to be completely overwhelmed" to move him, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. MLB teams won't be willing to give up more than two top-10 prospects in exchange for Skubal, knowing that he won't sign an extension and plans to hit free agency following the 2026 season. Nightengale adds that the Tigers are "expected to hang onto him until at least the July 2026 trade deadline." The 28-year-old southpaw is likely to win a second straight American League Cy Young award after leading the league with a 6.5 WAR, 2.21 ERA, 2.45 FIP, and 0.89 WHIP in 195 1/3 innings in 2025. Skubal also struck out a career-high 241 hitters while walking just 33 in 31 regular-season starts. Regardless of where he's pitching in 2026, Skubal will be an elite fantasy ace.

Nov 11

Jack Flaherty • SP • Tigers

Jack Flaherty Elects to Stay With Tigers

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty is not opting out of his $20 million contract for the 2026 season, according to sources. Flaherty will return to Motown, where he has played in each of the last two seasons. The 30-year-old veteran began the 2024 season in Detroit before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second half of the season, where he eventually ended up winning a World Series title. He returned to the Tigers in 2025 to go 8-15 with a 4.64 ERA (3.85 FIP), 1.28 WHIP, and 188:59 K:BB in 161 innings over his 31 starts. Flaherty didn't exactly have the season he wanted -- he led the league with his 15 losses -- but a bounce-back certainly could be in the cards in 2026 if he can stay healthy. At the very least, Flaherty's above-average strikeout rate is appealing, even if he has been inconsistent.

Nov 5

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