The 87-wins for Detroit last season was their most since the 2014 campaign, vaulting them into the ALDS before bowing out to the Mariners in 5 games.

A Bright Spot
Prospects on the way. INF Kevin McGonigle, CF Max Clark, and 1B/DH Josue Briceno had massive years in the lower leagues and are certain to be given looks at the MLB-level in 2026 - potentially out of camp.

A Big Concern
Tarik Skubal is entering his final year of team control in 2026. If the Tigers don’t believe they have the ability to keep him beyond 2026, they’ll almost certainly field trade calls this winter. It’s by no means a guarantee that he’ll be elsewhere next season, but the possibility is starting to build. The 28-year-old projects toward an 8 year, $300M contract in our system.

Related Links
2026 Tigers Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

A list of relievers set to hit the open market could be a tell as to what this front office might be prioritizing this winter.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Gleyber Torres (2B, 28) $14M
Chris Paddack (P, 29) $10.5M
Kyle Finnegan (RP, 34) $10M
Tommy Kahnle (RP, 36) $4.8M
Rafael Montero (RP, 35) $1.1M

Option Decisions

Flaherty saw his player option escalate from $10M to $20M based on games started, which makes him more likely to exercise for the upcoming season.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jack Flaherty (SP, 30) $20M player option
Paul Sewald (RP, 35) $10M mutual option ($1M buyout)
José Urquidy (SP, 30) $4M club option

Arbitration-Eligibility

The front office has been public about seeking out players that do a better job at hitting for contact this winter. Could this mean 1-2 power-driven bats are moved?

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Tarik Skubal (SP, 29) $22.5M
Casey Mize (SP, 29) $5.5M
Spencer Torkelson (1B, 26) $4.5M
Riley Greene (OF, 25) $4.3M
Zach McKinstry (2B, 31) $4M
Kerry Carpenter (OF, 28) $3.5M
Jake Rogers (C, 31) $3.25M
Jason Foley (RP, 30) $3.15M
Matt Vierling (OF, 29) $3M
Will Vest (RP, 31) $3M
Tyler Holton (RP, 30) $1.75M
Andy Ibanez (INF, 33) $1.5M
Beau Brieske (RP, 28) $1.25M
Alex Lange (RP, 30) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

Baez’ improvement at the plate (to go along with Gold Glove defense) was one of the bigger highlights of 2025. He’s signed through 2027.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Javier Báez (SS, 33) $23.3M
Colt Keith (3B, 24) $4.7M

Team Tax Projections

The Tigers finished off 2025 about $72M under the tax threshold. Detroit enters the offseason carrying a $135M projected CBT payroll, providing them about $108M of projected space.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews