The Tigers have released outfielder Austin Slater, according to several Tigers beat writers (including the Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold). Slater was in camp on a minor league contract, and as an Article XX(B) free agent, the first of his three opt-out clauses fell this weekend. As per Petzold, Slater exercised his opt-out, and the Tigers chose to part ways with the outfielder rather than add him to the 40-man roster.
It is possible Slater could soon re-sign with Detroit, if this release was something of a handshake agreement just to get past the first Article XX(B) deadline. Or, it might be that the Tigers are willing to let Slater go since they’re satisfied with their right-handed hitting depth options. While a Detroit lineup heavy in left-handed bats could get another lefty swinger if top prospect Kevin McGonigle makes the team, the Tigers have Matt Vierling, Jahmai Jones, and Javier Baez set for platoon or bench duty as right-handed hitters.
Slater is entering his age-33 season, and now looking for a job in what would be his tenth MLB season. The majority of that time was spent with San Francisco, but Slater has since bounced around since the Giants dealt him to the Reds in July 2024. Slater has seen time in the bigs with the Giants, Reds, Orioles, White Sox, and Yankees over the last two seasons, with only a .212/.299/.314 slash line to show for 372 plate appearances. Injuries also impacted his 2025 season, as Slater spent time on the injured list with both a meniscus tear in his right knee and a left hamstring strain.
The chances of a potential reunion with Slater and the Tigers may hinge on how much interest Slater can find on the open market. Depending on other roster cuts or perhaps an injury or two, Slater might be able to find another job (and a clearer path to big league playing time) on another team. If nothing materializes after he tests the market, Slater could be open to returning to Detroit’s farm system.
If he can hand it in tomorrow it’ll be all right.
Good one, Preppie
Might be the first guy I’ve seen on BRef whose second position is “Pinch Hitter”
Not even, DH
I saw your comment and immediately thought of Matt Stairs. Turns out that’s what his second position is too lol
John Vander Wal has pinch hitter as his first listed position.
Good. He had nothing to offer that was better than what they already had.
Harsh.
Truth though.
He looked OK in spring training, but honestly, the Tigers did not have a spot for him on the 40. I suspect he’ll get signed by somebody, but if not I think he fits in Toledo’s OF until he’s needed. Trei Cruz is probably the Tiger’s #1 depth piece for the OF. He’s already on the 40 man.
Cruz has looked very solid in ST. If McKinstry sustains an injury, Cruz would be the perfect replacement IMO. He can do anything Z-Mac can, plus is a switch-hitter.
Dance with the one you brought…Jones stays and Julks and Trei are ready at AAA after having better spring training showings.
The Rays seem to love stockpiling AAAA outfielders. Maybe there is room on their roster, as long as he promises not to hit over .200.
The Ray’s seem to have a lot of what ifs in the outfield this year. Simpson will be good if he gets on base and Mullins if he returns to form. Juries out on the others like Deluca. If their OF’ers contribute then they might surprise in the AL East because the rotation looks pretty good. The Ray’s are one of those teams that always seem to surprise.
I would like to see them give DeLuca and Simpson 400 ABs. It’s not like they are going to make the playoffs. Perhaps it’s a service time thing.
It would have been nice to see Mangum and Josh Lowe get 400 ABs this season, but that ship has sailed.
The rotation is good with Rasmussen and McClanahan, but Matz is really a #5 guy if anything, and I’m a pretty knowledgeable Rays fan, but I can’t really recall who is in their rotation besides Shane and Drew. Maybe Seymour and Rock can break out. Forgot about Pepiot, but honestly, I expect him to have Tommy John this year. This will be a year where the rotation and lineup will just throw players at the wall and see what sticks and guys like Matz and Mullins will hopefully be flipped for prospects in July. 2028 might be the year they are back in it.
I like the McClanahan, Rasmussen and Pepiot top 3 a lot. Joe Boyle could be a comer too. I’m a Tigers fan but I live TB too. Hopefully they both have a good year. Cheers dude.
Same. Born in Grand Rapids and now live in Central FL, so Tigers were my first love. I think they have a shot if Jr. will spend some money at the deadline.
Should try sucking less
Paying Baez a load to be a bench bat
Javy will play a lot. Tigers are very LH’d at the plate. They will need Baez and Vierling to produce along side Tork and Dingler from the R side. Especially if McGonigal makes the team. It will come down to Wenceel Perez, Jamai Jones and Austin Meadows for the last 2 bench spots.
Baez is likely to get reps in CF too. Meadows has stunk up spring training so far and Perez has been worse. Vierling will factor in too. McGonihle needs to be at SS and batting leadoff to start the year.
I’d be surprised if he’s at leadoff to start the 1st game of his big league career. But I don’t doubt he will before too long.
I see Vierling in the 1 hole mostly, especially vs. LH’d pitching. I just don’t know if Meadows can be depended on anymore in the leadoff spot. Even starting much, for that matter. He looks like a #9 guy.
Hinch has been sitting McGonigal around #6 this past week. Like the lineup they had vs the Yankees today.
Javy gets no respect from fans because of the contract. But the fact of the matter is that Baez is still the best defensive SS on the team and he out-hit a lot of teammates in ST — as he did in the playoffs last year (2nd only to Carp).
Slater will land somewhere, maybe fill the Mets’ new opening.