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Akil Baddoo Akil Baddoo Undergoes hamate bone surgery Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 8:53 AM Baddoo underwent surgery Thursday to address a hamate bone fracture in his right hand, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: His recovery timeline figures to extend past Opening Day and will likely cost him the first month or so of the season. Baddoo was removed from the Tigers' 40-man roster earlier this offseason and is ticketed for Triple-A Toledo once healthy.
Kenta Maeda Kenta Maeda Throwing harder this spring Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 9:42 AM Maeda was throwing 92 mph during a live batting practice session Tuesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: It's up from the 90.8 mph he averaged with his four-seamer last season and significantly more velocity than he was showing during spring training last year. With Alex Cobb (hip) slated to begin the season on the injured list, Maeda has a chance to make the Tigers' rotation out of spring training. That said, after collecting a 6.09 ERA over 17 starts and 12 relief appearances last season, Maeda has a lot to prove this spring. He will start Detroit's Grapefruit League opener Saturday.
Trey Sweeney Trey Sweeney Tweaks swing in offseason Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 5:48 PM Sweeney said he's made some "minor swing changes" since the end of last season to hit MLB fastballs better, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Sweeney seems focused on timing and working to catch up to fastballs better at the MLB level. He had a .245 average and a 19.8 percent whiff rate against the pitch last year, and all four of his home runs came off of breaking balls. Sweeney could be Detroit's Opening Day shortstop, though veteran Javier Baez (hip) is looming as he gets back to full strength. The former could benefit from a strong start to the year to cement himself as the starter moving forward.
Gleyber Torres Gleyber Torres Should have big offensive role Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 5:42 PM Torres is expected to play nearly every day at second base and bat in the top half of Detroit's lineup, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Torres seemed set for a key role when he agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal back in December, and early reports out of camp support this notion. He was the only player taking reps at second base Monday and the team expects him to hit high in the order. Torres saw 56 games of action as the Yankees' leadoff man last season, though he also regularly batted fifth or lower in New York's stacked lineup. The Tigers may install Torres as their leadoff hitter, but even if he's not hitting first, the 28-year-old appears primed to fill a key run-producing spot most days. He could be poised for a big season with his new club.
Brendan White Brendan White Looks sharp in early going Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 5:31 PM White, who missed most of the 2024 season with elbow issues, has been looking good early in camp, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: White logged only 7.1 innings last season across several minor-league levels before getting shut down. The righty then underwent hydrodissection in August for nerve issues. After a lengthy recovery, White is aiming to once again push for a bullpen role with the Tigers. He logged 40.2 innings for Detroit back in 2023 and posted a 5.09 ERA. While getting back to the majors would be a personal victory for White, he's unlikely to be anything more than a low-leverage option.
Spencer Torkelson Spencer Torkelson In the mix for roster spot Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 2:34 PM Though Torkelson has been squeezed by some other players on the roster, he could still make the team as a weapon against left-handed pitching, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Colt Keith has been taking reps at first base, which has seemingly pushed Torkelson aside. However, the latter still offers plenty of pop, particularly against southpaws. The Tigers may want that skill as part of their bench when they break camp. Torkelson's fantasy value has certainly taken a hit following a disappointing 2024 in which he batted .219 with a .669 OPS, though he could slowly boost his stock if he makes the team and begins to carve out a regular role. The former No. 1 overall pick did launch 31 home runs in 2023, which points to some of his upside as a slugger, but making consistent contact has been a challenge at the MLB level.
Kerry Carpenter Kerry Carpenter Role to grow? Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 2:29 PM The Tigers could let Carpenter face more left-handed pitchers in 2025, which is something the 27-year-old said he is open to, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Carpenter saw just 31 plate appearances against lefties last season and is only 24-for-119 (.202) in his MLB career versus southpaws. He has crushed righties to the tune of an .897 OPS the last three years, but the Tigers may decide to expand his role. Carpenter himself pointed to the success he had against lefties in the minors back in 2022 when he posted a .905 OPS against pitchers from the same side. The 27-year-old is still likely to ride the bench often when southpaws start, though if he can prove capable of hitting them to some degree of success, his overall fantasy ceiling would increase because he'd have more chances to produce counting stats, though some of his rate stats might get worse.
Kenta Maeda Kenta Maeda Could be rotation fill-in Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 2:15 PM With Alex Cobb (hip) likely out for about a month, Maeda could be at least a temporary option to slide into the starting rotation, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Cobb's injury figures to prevent him from being able to ramp up properly for Opening Day, so the Tigers will have to fill his rotation spot for at least a turn or two. Detroit has Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson and Jack Flaherty locked in as starters, and the team could turn to the likes of Maeda, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize to round things out. Maeda is a veteran option with plenty of MLB starts under his belt, so he could probably make the transition fairly quickly after pitching in relief to wrap up last season. The righty struggled in 2024, posting a career-worst 6.09 ERA, which ultimately prompted the move out of the rotation. If Maeda starts early in 2025, fantasy managers may want to take a wait-and-see approach given his rough performance a year ago.
Jace Jung Jace Jung Impresses in batting practice Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 11:16 AM Jung's wrist is fully recovered from December surgery, and he put on a show during batting practice Saturday by hitting homers out to all fields, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: With Alex Bregman choosing Boston over Detroit and a couple other teams, the third base job is an open competition between Jung and Matt Vierling this spring. Jung has a chip on his shoulder and reported to camp early to show that he's regained the explosiveness in his swing that was more apparent in 2023. His exit velocities were below expectations last season, but Beck reports that Jung's exit velocities have been on the rise since minicamp in January. Jung mentioned that he did 100 push-ups a day to strengthen the wrist and also put in a lot of time with his brother, Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, working on his footwork at third base. Vierling will make the team regardless, but Jung probably either needs to win the starting third base job or he'll open the year at Triple-A.
Riley Greene Riley Greene Hoping to increase workload in 2025 Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 11:40 AM Greene has focused on a better diet and exercising in the offseason, and the outfielder hopes to see more playing time this season as a result of improved health, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Greene was fairly durable in 2024, as he set a new career high by playing in 137 games. However, the 24-year-old outfielder thinks he's capable of more, and he's implemented a new offseason routine to help improve his body. If Greene can play in 150 games or more, he has a good chance of improving upon last year's numbers, when he recorded 24 home runs and 74 RBI to go along with a strong .827 OPS.
Andy Ibanez Andy Ibanez Should help fill void at third Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 11:33 AM With the Tigers missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency, Ibanez is among several returning players who could see time at third base, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Had Bregman joined the Tigers, he likely would have played almost every day at the hot corner, which would have relegated Ibanez to more of a bench role. However, Detroit now seems primed to use several players at the position. Matt Vierling is likely the top option, but he can also play in the outfield. When Vierling is not at third, lefty-hitting Jace Jung is a natural platoon candidate. Ibanez should also work into the mix, though he has the versatility to play across the diamond and in the outfield.
David Hensley David Hensley Reaches deal with Detroit Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 7:42 PM Hensley signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Hensley has served as organizational depth throughout his career, though he does have at least 30 plate appearances in the majors in each of the last three seasons. He's unlikely to land a big-league roster spot out of spring training.
Jace Jung Jace Jung Clearer path to roster spot Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 7:06 PM With free agent Alex Bregman passing up the Tigers to sign with the Red Sox, Jung (wrist) should have a clearer path to time at third base, though Matt Vierling likely remains the top option there Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Jung may have been pushed to the minors if Bregman had joined the team, but the former now has a clearer path to making the roster and having a meaningful role. Vierling is likely still the top option at the hot corner, though he can also play the outfield. Vierling also bats from the right side while Jung is left handed. That leaves the two players as potential platoon mates, and the 24-year-old Jung could emerge as a fantasy contributor in his second MLB season. He did undergo minor wrist surgery in December but should be good to go for spring training.
Matt Vierling Matt Vierling Gets more job security Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 6:54 PM With free agent Alex Bregman passing up the Tigers to sign with the Red Sox, Vierling should have a clearer path to regular starts at third base, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Analysis: If Bregman had joined Detroit, he likely would have played most days at the hot corner, pushing Vierling to a bench role. However, Vierling should now slot in as a primary option at third, though left-hand hitting Jace Jung figures to be in the mix too. On days when Jung enters the lineup, Vierling could slide to the outfield. This makes the veteran's 2025 fantasy outlook similar to 2024, when he slashed .257/.312/.423 with 16 home runs across 144 regular-season games.
Alex Lange Alex Lange Placed on 60-day IL Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 6:51 PM The Tigers placed Lange (lat) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. Analysis: Lange hasn't suffered any setbacks since beginning a throwing program in December and has worked up to throwing off a mound twice per week. Still, he will need a while yet before he is ready to return from lat surgery. His roster spot will be given to John Brebbia, who signed a one-year deal with the Tigers on Wednesday.
John Brebbia John Brebbia Lands in Motor City Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 6:39 PM Brebbia signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Tigers on Wednesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: The 34-year-old's new contract also includes a $4 million club option for 2026. Brebbia had one of the worst years of his big-league career in 2024, accumulating a 5.86 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 55.1 regular-season innings between the White Sox and Atlanta. He has plenty of experience working in high-leverage situations, but the Tigers will likely keep him in a middle-relief role until he can demonstrate consistent success over an extended period of time.
Ricky Vanasco Ricky Vanasco Recovering from hip surgery Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 8:36 AM Vanasco is recovering from surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: It wasn't disclosed when Vanasco had the operation, but he has progressed to playing catch six times per week. The right-hander re-signed with the Tigers on a minor-league deal in November and figures to join the Triple-A Toledo bullpen when healthy.
Alex Lange Alex Lange Throwing off mound Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 8:31 AM Lange (lat) is throwing two bullpen sessions per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: Lange underwent right lat surgery last July. It's uncertain when he might be ready to pitch in games, but he would appear to have a good shot to be ready for Opening Day. Lange will be competing for a spot in the Tigers' bullpen, though he does have minor-league options remaining.
Sawyer Gipson-Long Sawyer Gipson-Long Throwing bullpen sessions Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 8:27 AM Gipson-Long (elbow/hip) is throwing bullpen sessions twice per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: Gipson-Long had Tommy John surgery last April and then hip surgery in July. His rehab from the procedures appears to be coming along well, but the right-hander is not expected to return until around midseason.
Wilmer Flores Wilmer Flores Nursing shoulder injury Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 8:25 AM Flores was given a platelet-rich plasma injection in January to address right shoulder soreness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: Flores is rehabbing daily but it's uncertain when he might be ready to throw again. He is in Tigers camp as a non-roster invitee and seems likely to begin the season at Triple-A Toledo.