Bless You Boys
A detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigers
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Detroit Tigers News: Emilio Pagan, Cy Young Award, MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Yordan Alvarez, Brad Ausmus Houston Astros
The latest baseball awards season sees Jacob Misiorowski and Cam Schlittler win the Cy Young, while Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Yordan Alvarez sweep MVP honors, ending Aaron Judge’s and Shohei Ohtani’s runs. Detroit Tigers fans get updates on Emilio Pagan’s modest contract, potential free‑agency trends, and the Tigers’ plan for outfield prospect Zyhir Hope at Triple‑A. Former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus is hired as Houston Astros skipper, and the club announces 2027 home‑game times. The Tigers also eye LHP Shōta Imanaga and other free‑agent starters as the offseason heats up.
Tigers showing interest in LHP Shota Imanaga, per report
The Detroit Tigers are eyeing left‑hander Shōta Imanaga as part of a broader push to revamp their pitching staff. After signing right‑hander Jacob Waguespack ($1.3 M) and setup man/closer Emilio Pagán ($11.5 M), the Tigers reportedly showed interest in the 33‑year‑old former NPB All‑Star who posted a 3.45 ERA/4.32 FIP over 492 innings with the Chicago Cubs. Adding Imanaga could create bullpen flexibility by shifting a current starter to relief, addressing the Tigers’ lack of optionable arms. The move reflects GM Scott Harris’s focus on mixing ground‑ball and fly‑ball pitchers in the newly renamed Fifth Third Ballpark.
Scott Harris isn’t shopping Riley Greene at the GM Meetings
Detroit Tigers GM Scott Harris downplays trade rumors for slugger Riley Greene, saying the 26‑year‑old left fielder remains a key part of Detroit’s plans while he “listens” to offers. After a breakout 2025 season followed by a drastic post‑All‑Star slump, Greene rebounded in 2026 with a .370 OBP, 21 homers and strong bat speed, but his defense collapsed – posting a –11 DRS, –5 OAA and sub‑average 26.6 ft/sec sprint speed. With no long‑term extension on the table and his athleticism in decline, Harris hints a trade is possible but the Tigers may keep him and focus on conditioning. The article weighs Greene’s power against his growing liability in the outfield.
Detroit Tigers News: Kevin McGonigle Rookie of the Year, Bob Boone, MLB Manager of the Year
Detroit’s Kevin McGonigle clinches the 2026 AL Rookie of the Year, earning praise from A.J. Hinch and fans after a breakout season highlighted by a 4‑2 loss to the Pirates on Sept. 27. Meanwhile, Tigers manager Pat Murphy captures Manager of the Year honors for a third straight year. The post also teases hot‑stove chatter, noting several clubs, including the Mets, courting ace pitcher Tarik Skubal ahead of free agency. Additional MLB updates cover the Dodgers’ new hitting coach and upcoming roster moves across the league.
Tigers to sign RHP Emilio Pagan to a one-year deal, per report
The Detroit Tigers have reportedly agreed to a one‑year, $11.5 million deal with veteran right‑hander Emilio Pagán, who declined a $10 million option with the Cincinnati Reds. At 35, Pagán posted 25 saves in 45 appearances last season, posting a 3.38 ERA, 4.18 FIP, a 25.9% strikeout rate and a low 6.3% walk rate, but he also allowed a high 1.48 HR/9. The Tigers hope Comerica Park will curb his home‑run vulnerability. Pagán relies on a four‑seam fastball (94.9 mph) and a balanced mix of cutter and splitter, offering bullpen leadership and flexibility without a guaranteed closer role.
RHP Evan Phillips is a prime relief target for the Tigers in free agency
Detroit Tigers GM Scott Harris targets former Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips as a high‑leverage bullpen upgrade in the 2026 free‑agent market. The 32‑year‑old right‑hander, a 2018 debutant who bounced between clubs before stabilizing with Los Angeles, posted a 3.46 ERA and 31.1% strikeout rate over 26 innings in 2026 after returning from Tommy John surgery. His 96.9 mph four‑seam sweeper and 26.3% whiff rate make him a strikeout specialist, despite a small‑sample 1.73 HR/9 spike. FanGraphs projects a two‑year, $20 million deal, and Harris believes Phillips could anchor a revamped bullpen alongside Drew Sommers and Will Vest.
Scott Harris says he’s focused on adding relievers with swing and miss
At the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris said the club’s offseason priority is adding high‑leverage relievers who can generate swing‑and‑miss strikeouts. After a bullpen that struggled in critical situations in 2026, Harris is weighing two routes: building a surplus of starters who can shift to relief, or targeting veteran free‑agents and trade candidates. He highlighted the need for a stable veteran presence capable of handling both right‑ and left‑handed hitters. Harris’s comments come amid a thin roster of right‑handed relievers—none with options—and a modest free‑agent signing in Jacob Waguespack. Potential targets like Yankees closer David Bednar illustrate the cost‑vs‑quality dilemma the Tigers face heading into the 2027 season.
Kevin McGonigle named 2026 AL Rookie of the Year
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, 21, clinches the 2026 American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year with 28 of 30 first‑place votes, edging Guardians left‑hander Parker Messick. Skipping Triple‑A, he debuted with four hits and finished the season hitting .278/.376/.430, 18 homers, 12 steals, a 129 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR (fourth in the AL) and a league‑leading 7.1 rWAR. His early promotion secured a Prospect Promotion Incentive draft pick, giving Detroit an extra 2027 first‑round selection and a $3 M bonus‑pool boost. McGonigle’s rise promises a decade of impact for the Tigers.
Detroit Tigers News: Japanese player scouting, Max Scherzer, Chris Sale
The Detroit Tigers are eyeing Japanese free agents this offseason, with interest in Teruaki Sato, Kaima Taira, and former target Shota Imagana. Meanwhile, former Tiger Max Scherzer hints he may not retire yet, and Chris Sale’s three standout seasons with the Braves are highlighted. The post also touches on other MLB topics, including top free agents, Yankees pitching outlook for 2027, and labor‑relation comments from Pedro Martinez.
How to play in-5 Trivia on the SB Nation app
The SB Nation app now hosts the daily in‑5 trivia game, challenging fans to name a former baseball player using up to five clues. Players earn higher scores by guessing with fewer hints and can post their results in the game’s comment thread. In‑5 spans MLB, NBA, NFL, MMA, and pro wrestling, with extra team‑specific quizzes—including a Tigers‑focused version for Detroit fans. To join, follow the “MLB” community on the SB Nation app and start competing for bragging rights.
RHP Dustin May may fit the Tigers’ needs for starting pitching depth
Amid looming lockout talks, the Detroit Tigers are eyeing right‑hander Dustin May as a low‑cost depth starter. The 29‑year‑old, who posted 145.2 innings with a 4.70 ERA and a career‑low 0.86 HR/9 in 2026 for the Brewers, offers consistency and improved home‑run control after overcoming two UCL surgeries and a stint with the Dodgers and Red Sox. With the Tigers unlikely to chase high‑priced free agents like Tarik Skubal, May’s $12.5 M one‑year deal fits their strategy of shoring up rotation depth before the lockout, while also freeing a starter for bullpen conversion.
Detroit Tigers News: Coaching staff, Silver Slugger finalists, Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle, MLB lockout
The Detroit Tigers announce their 2027 coaching lineup, adding Kyle Hudson and Martín Maldonado while Ryan Sienko expands to bullpen coach and Scott Peters joins as medical director. Three Tigers—Kevin McGonigle, Riley Greene, and Dillon Dingler—make the Silver Slugger finalist list, with McGonigle also crowned 2026 Tiger of the Year by the Detroit BBWAA. The roundup also touches on free‑agency moves and the looming MLB lockout, plus assorted league news like a new Hall‑of‑Fame ballot and upcoming manager searches.
Tigers announce 2027 coaching and training staff
The Detroit Tigers unveil their 2027 coaching staff, adding Kyle Hudson as first‑base and baserunning coach and former Astros catcher Martín Maldonado as quality coach. Long‑time catcher coach Ryan Sienko expands to bullpen duties after Juan Nieves departs, while the existing trio of hitting coaches—Michael Brdar, Cody Asche and Lance Zawadski—remain. Scott Peters joins as medical director and Jeremiah Randall returns as head athletic trainer. Bench coach George Lombard and third‑base coach Billy Boyer also stay on, completing a mostly intact staff under manager A.J. Hinch.
Beau Ankeney mashed his way onto the prospect radar in 2026
Detroit Tigers prospect Beau Ankeney, a 6‑ft‑3, 235‑lb first baseman, surged onto the 2026 prospect radar after a breakout season. Drafted in the 14th round of the 2025 MLB draft out of Loyola Marymount, he logged 24 home runs, including nine in just 27 High‑A games after a late‑July promotion. Ankeney showed elite raw power (averaging 92 mph, maxing 114.4 mph, 65 FV grade), solid plate discipline with low strikeout rates, and enough speed to cover corner outfield. His hot stretch from Aug. 4‑16 featured seven homers in nine games, sparking buzz among scouts despite his older age for the level.
Detroit Tigers 2026 BYB preseason prospect list review #21-30
Bless You Boys revisits the Detroit Tigers’ 2026 BYB preseason prospect rankings for spots 21‑30, offering quick season‑end assessments and stock trends. Highlights include right‑hander Dylan Smith, DFA‑ed before Opening Day, who posted a 3.86 ERA and 0.5 fWAR with the Giants, now rated neutral, and Ty Madden, who bounced back from a rotator cuff injury to log a 3.26 ERA in 46 innings for Detroit, earning a neutral rating despite fading velocity. The piece notes that most players listed are 40+ future value prospects, with Izaac Pacheco the sole 40‑FV tier at #30, and provides links to full scouting reports.
Detroit Tigers News: MLB free agency, Hall of Fame, Kyle Hudson, Salary Cap
The Detroit Tigers announce former Red Sox third‑base coach Kyle Hudson as their new first‑base coach and reclaim former draft pick RHP RJ Petit from the Rockies after his Tommy John rehab. The club also exercises Drew Anderson’s 2027 option, declines Kenley Jansen’s, and signs Jacob Waguespack to a $1.3 million deal. Meanwhile, MLB proposes a phased‑in salary cap and floor for 2028, sparking criticism from the MLBPA, as free‑agency chatter heats up around pitchers like Tarik Skubal.
Tigers decline option on RHP Kenley Jansen, exercise option on RHP Drew Anderson
The Tigers hit the option deadline with a $10 million club option exercised on right‑hander Drew Anderson for 2027, while declining Kenley Jansen’s $12 million option and buying him out for $2 million. Detroit also signed veteran reliever Jacob Waguespack to a one‑year, $1.3 million deal (plus $200K incentives). Seven of eight players on the 60‑day IL were reinstated – including OFs Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez, Matt Vierling and pitchers Reese Olson, Will Vest – as left‑hander Bailey Horn (Tommy John) and RHP Sawyer Gipson‑Long hit unconditional release waivers. Corey Julks is now a free agent and Yilber Diaz was DFA’d. The 40‑man roster is full, prompting upcoming moves to add prospects Josue Briceño and Max Anderson.
Dillon Dingler becomes fourth Tigers catcher to win back-to-back AL Gold Glove awards
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler earns his second consecutive Rawlings AL Gold Glove, joining Pudge Rodríguez, Lance Parrish and Bill Freehan as the only Tigers to achieve back-to-back honors. Dingler posted a +17 Fielding Run Value, +15 Defensive Runs Saved, +9 Framing Runs and caught five additional base stealers, while hitting 27 homers and finishing with a 107 wRC+ and 5 fWAR. The Tigers also saw Triple‑A infielder Max Anderson win a Minor League Gold Glove at second base. Utilityman Zach McKinstry was a finalist, but lost to Rangers’ Ezequiel Duran.
Keider Montero has a good case to stay in the Tigers’ starting rotation
Detroit Tigers could benefit from keeping 26‑year‑old Venezuelan right‑hander Keider Montero in the rotation. Montero, a decade‑long prospect, shows durability and strike‑throwing ability, logging 5.5 innings per start and posting a 3.48 ERA with a 3.98 FIP in 2026 (2.5 fWAR). His innings have risen each season—159.0 in 2026—while his career ERA as a starter (3.81) outshines his 5.00 ERA in relief. Though his swing‑and‑miss rates are modest, his consistency and lack of injury make him a steadier option than less durable arms like Troy Melton or River Ryan. With the Tigers seeking an “overflow” of starters to shore up a struggling bullpen, Montero makes a compelling case to stay in the rotation.
Detroit Tigers 2026-2027 offseason primer
The Bless You Boys’ offseason primer outlines Detroit Tigers’ key moves and deadlines following their recent World Series win. As of Oct. 30, pending free agents must decide on options by Monday, while the trading desk is active. The Tigers face eight 60‑day IL reinstatements—including Bailey Horn, Reese Olson, and Kerry Carpenter—and must consider releases (e.g., Corey Julks) and option decisions on Kenley Jansen ($12 M) and Drew Anderson ($10 M). No qualifying offers are on the table, and roster spots are tight with 33 players on the 40‑man roster before IL returns. Upcoming dates: Gold Glove awards (Nov. 1), Hall of Fame ballot (Nov. 2), and free‑agency start (Nov. 2, 5 p.m. ET).
Detroit Tigers News: World Series, Milwaukee Brewers, William Contreras, free agency, MLB lockout
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first World Series title, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 at Tropicana Field on October 28, 2026, with standout performances from William Contreras, who earns World Series MVP honors, and a postseason in which the Brewers lose only two games. As the championship wraps, the Detroit Tigers face a wave of free‑agent decisions—including Jack Flaherty, Tyler Kinley, and Justin Verlander—while mourning longtime trainer Pio DiSalvo. Meanwhile, MLB eyes a looming lockout, and both clubs look ahead to offseason moves and future prospects.
Tigers acquire infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from the Red Sox, per report
The Detroit Tigers acquire Taiwanese infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations, adding him to a shortstop crowd that already includes Hao‑Yu Lee. The 25‑year‑old left‑handed hitter, who has modest major‑league experience and a track record of speed, average defense, and high strikeout rates (23.8% in Triple‑A last season), is intended to provide depth while the club develops Kevin McGonigle and right‑handed bat John Peck. Cheng, originally signed by the Pirates in 2019, was released, picked up by Washington, then claimed by Boston before the July 20, 2026 trade. The move clears a 40‑man roster spot for the Red Sox and offers Detroit a left‑handed option amid limited shortstop alternatives.
ESPN ranks Tigers seventh best in first postseason power rankings
ESPN’s first postseason power rankings place the Detroit Tigers seventh overall, behind the Brewers, Dodgers and Yankees. The Tigers finished 2026 ranked 14th in run scoring, 11th in wRC+, 6th in ERA and 10th in FIP, despite a six‑week injury slump. Their core features veteran Framber Valdez and a promising rotation of Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, River Ryan and Reese Olson, while young hitters Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle (7.1 WAR) and breakout stars Hao‑Yu Lee and Eduardo Valencia boost the offense. The main concern is bolstering a weak bullpen before the 2027 season.
Tigers backed out of a Skubal trade with Milwaukee, per report
A reported trade deadline deal that would have sent Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal to Milwaukee fell apart when the Tigers chose a separate package involving prospect Zyhir Hope, injured right‑hander River Ryan and High‑A pitcher Brady Smith. The Brewers’ offer—top‑100 infielders Luis Pena and Jett Williams plus outfielder Josh Adamczewski—was rejected after the Tigers pivoted to the Dodgers’ proposal. The saga highlights Detroit’s need for pitching ahead of free agency and Milwaukee’s subsequent pivot to acquire JoJo Romero and Dustin May, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
What’s the most “meh” team in Major League Baseball?
The blog post asks which MLB franchise is the most “meh” – offering fans the least to cheer about – and answers with a points‑based analysis of playoff performance since 1998. Using Baseball‑Reference data, the author assigns values to World Series wins (5 points) down to Wild Card losses (1 point). The results rank the New York Yankees at the top (70 points) and place the Pittsburgh Pirates at the bottom with just 4 points, labeling them the most consistently under‑performing team in the modern era. The piece also highlights surprising mid‑range results for teams like the Phillies and Rockies, and notes the Dodgers’ late‑season surge.
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