Injuries & Moves: Hill returns on Minor League deal
This page will be updated throughout the Tigers' offseason as new information becomes available.
LATEST NEWS
Nov. 28: RHP Kenta Maeda signed to two-year, $24 million contract
The Tigers were looking to add a veteran presence in their rotation, especially after Eduardo Rodriguez became a free agent. Maeda not only has a track record, having posted a 105 ERA+ over seven Major League seasons, he brings potential leadership for a young rotation if he can pass along his philosophies on commanding the strike zone as well as his splitter and slider as quality secondary pitches. Maeda will make $14 million in 2024, then $10 million in 2025, and will donate part of his salary to the Detroit Tigers Foundation.
Nov. 21: 3B/OF Ryan Vilade signed to Minor League contract
The 24-year-old Vilade, who will receive a non-roster invite to Major League Spring Training, is a former Rockies second-round Draft pick who hit .270 with 23 doubles, six home runs, 56 RBIs, a .370 OBP and a .752 OPS this past season in the Pirates' system at Triple-A Indianapolis. He’ll likely serve as organizational infield depth. He made a brief appearance in the Majors with Colorado in 2021.
Nov. 21: RHP Garrett Hill re-signed to Minor League contract
The Tigers non-tendered the 27-year-old Hill on Nov. 17 after he made just nine appearances for Detroit in 2023, but the move was more about opening room on the 40-man roster. With that accomplished, Detroit moved quickly to bring him back into the organization, where his combination of pitching versatility and swing-and-miss upside makes him a nice depth addition. He also gets a non-roster invite to Major League Spring Training.
INJURY UPDATES
RHP Casey Mize (Tommy John surgery, lumbar strain)
Expected return: Likely 2024
Mize has started his normal offseason strength and conditioning program after throwing bullpen sessions in early November at the Tigers’ Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla.
“The goal is to get him to a place where he can have a normal offseason and show up to Lakeland ready to go,” president of baseball operations Scott Harris said in early November. “But he feels really good. He's pretty fired up getting out of rehab and more back to competition. Mentally, he's ready to be able to compete.” (Last updated: Nov. 28)
RHP Alex Faedo (right middle finger blister)
Expected return: 2024
Faedo underwent a procedure on his right middle fingernail to address an issue that was supposedly causing his blisters to emerge when he throws his changeup. He is currently on a normal offseason throwing program along with normal strength and conditioning workouts. (Last updated: Nov. 7)
RHP Matt Manning (right foot fracture)
Expected return: 2024
Manning sustained his second right foot fracture of the season on Sept. 6, the result of a 119.5 mph comebacker off the bat of Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton. He has started a normal offseason throwing program and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. (Last updated: Nov. 7)
OF Riley Greene (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: 2024
Greene underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Sept. 20 in Dallas, performed by Dr. Keith Meister. He continues to progress through his post-operation rehab program and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. (Last updated: Nov. 7)
IF Nick Maton (left knee arthroscopy)
Expected return: TBD
Maton underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address left knee discomfort and is progressing through his rehab protocol, according to the team. (Last updated: Nov. 7)
IF/OF Wenceel Perez (low back inflammation)
Expected return: 2024
Perez received a series of injections for his lumbar spine after the season. He has been completing rehab daily and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. (Last updated: Nov. 7)