What To Expect Regarding the Tigers Offseason
· Yahoo Sports
If you’re expecting a busy Detroit Tigers offseason, I’d temper your expectations. If you think the Tigers might make a splash this offseason, I’d adjust your optimism. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lockout or not, the roster we saw end a disappointing season will likely be the same whenever the 2027 season starts. The front office’s mentality has been very risk-averse during the offseason spending frenzies.
The conservative approach led to thin depth the last two seasons, especially when injuries began to take their toll. With early-season injuries to SS Trey Sweeney and CF Parker Meadows, the depth was tested quickly. Because of the injuries at multiple positions, Detroit rookies saw some of the most at-bats in the majors, and they combined to accrue more fWAR than any other team.
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What To Expect Regarding the Tigers Offseason
Will We See Any Major Moves?
Besides the signing of SP Framber Valdez, President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has refrained from significant additions to the major league roster. During his year-end press conference, Harris reiterated his long-held philosophy of filling out the roster from within the organization. During this season, five rookies (two drafted by Harris) logged at least 138 plate appearances. With the successful rookie campaigns of Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark, Hao-Yu Lee, Eduardo Valencia, and Ben Malgeri, the Tigers enjoyed production from some unexpected players.
Detroit Tigers center fielder Max Clark (15) bats against Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBefore the season, McGonigle had 46 career minor league games above A+ ball. He skipped AAA and cracked the roster as the season began and never relinquished a starting role. Clark, Lee, Valencia, and Malgeri appeared later in the season, and although Clark and Lee were well-regarded prospects, Valencia and Malgeri were diamonds in the rough. The youth wave has provided the team with new depth.
Banking on the Youth
Of the 15 position players who logged at least 138 plate appearances this year, only two were over the age of 30. Gleyber Torres is the only position player who will be testing free agency. Utility player Zach McKinstry (31 years old) and SS/CF Javier Báez (33 years old) are best deployed as multi-positional role players. The top-five position players in plate appearances are aged 27 and younger, as are six potential starting pitchers.
Outfield
The Tigers suffered several injuries that tested the team’s outfield depth. Center fielder Meadows played in just 12 games before an outfield collision ended his season. Kerry Carpenter fought inconsistency, injuries, poor defense (-7 DRS), and extreme platoon splits this season. Against left-handed pitching, Carpenter produced an unsightly .130/.231/.174 slash line. Similarly, Wenceel Pérez fought injuries (53 games played), didn’t hit well (64 OPS+), and didn’t field well (-3 DRS), which were all down from his decent 2025 campaign. On a positive note, LF Riley Greene, who may be named to his first All-MLB team, is entrenched at his position, and Clark has the inside track to the CF job.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (31) prepares to bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWith a decent free agent outfield class and an abundance of left-handed hitting outfielders around the league, there likely isn’t a significant trade market for players like Carpenter, Pérez, or Meadows. Bench options include Matt Vierling, a capable backup CF with experience at 3B, despite a down year from the right side of the plate. Malgeri was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, but he should be viewed as a role player/bench bat. Brett Callahan, a 13th-round pick who was called up in September, should be viewed as organizational depth.
Infield
As for the infield, even with the inevitable departure of Torres, the Tigers have several options. Depending on the matchup, Spencer Torkelson and Colt Keith are expected to share 1B duties, with the possibility of Valencia getting some reps. The left side of the infield will feature a combo of McGonigle, Báez, McKinstry, and Keith. Depth SS/3B will likely continue with John Peck and Trey Sweeney. Second base will likely feature Keith, Lee, and possiblyMax Anderson. The catching duo figures to continue with likely All-MLB Dillon Dingler and Valencia. Optimistically, there’s an outside chance of star catching prospect Josue Briceño developing as the third catcher.
Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesStarting Pitching
Despite (likely) losing several SPs to free agency/trades, the Tigers are flush with young arms. Valdez (104 ERA+, 4.14 FIP) hopes to return to previous form after a down year. The team is expected to pick up Drew Anderson’s (115 ERA+, 4.28 FIP) 2027 club option for $10 million. The rest of the rotation will feature Troy Melton (153 ERA+, 4.09 FIP), Jackson Jobe (108 ERA+, 4.17 FIP), and Keider Montero (121 ERA+, 3.98 FIP). Reese Olson, who missed the entire season with a right shoulder labrum tear, is expected to be healthy for spring training. Ty Madden and River Ryan are expected to compete as depth starters with potential for a bigger role due to their talent.
The Last Word
After postseason appearances in 2024 and 2025, the Tigers disappointed in 2026. Having a young team has advantages, but veteran leadership, especially veterans with postseason experience, goes a long way to helping an inexperienced team during rough stretches. The free agent outfield market is expected to be competitive, and it would be surprising to see Detroit’s front office engage in a bidding war for a 32+-year-old LF/RF. But it makes sense to bring in a right-handed OF like Randy Arozarena, Taylor Ward, Seiya Suzuki, or switch-hitter Ian Happ.
While the Detroit offense ranked in the middle of the pack in runs scored during the season (14th), they scored the fifth-most in September and were a couple runs short of second- most in the majors. Due to the infusion of youth, count on Harris continuing to lean on the development of the young core.
Main Photo Credit: David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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