Injuries & Moves: Baddoo designated for assignment
The Tigers' injuries and roster moves page will be updated throughout the offseason. Detroit's 40-man Major League roster is currently full.
LATEST NEWS
Dec. 10: RHP Alex Cobb signed to a one-year, $15 million contract; OF Akil Baddoo designated for assignment
The 37-year-old Cobb will try to follow the bounce-back seasons the Tigers enjoyed from Jack Flaherty and Michael Lorenzen on similar deals the past couple seasons. Cobb is older than both and has more of an injury history, but was an All-Star in 2023, his last healthy season. He went 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA in three starts this past season for Cleveland.
Baddoo was a rookie sensation in 2021, posting 13 homers, 55 RBIs, a 112 OPS+ and 2.1 bWAR as a Rule 5 Draft pick, but he struggled to approach that success in three seasons since. He went 10-for-73 in 31 games this past season while bouncing between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo. The 26-year-old can be outrighted to Triple-A Toledo and remain in the organization as outfield depth if he clears waivers.
“I’d like to find a way to keep him,” president of baseball operations Scott Harris said, “but I understand that he may find a roster spot in another organization. I think it’s not really a criticism of Akil; it’s more of an acknowledgement that our 40-man [roster] is more talented than it has been in recent years.”
Dec. 9: 3B/2B Jace Jung undergoes surgery on right wrist
The first Tigers medical report of the offseason showed that Jung, the No. 5 prospect in the system, underwent what the team called a procedure to address lingering right wrist inflammation. However, Jung has already started a hitting progression in his offseason program and is expected to be fully recovered in time for Spring Training.
Jung spent about a month on the injured list at Triple-A Toledo with a right wrist issue. He was promoted to Detroit about six weeks later and finished out the season with the Tigers, including a postseason role. He underwent the procedure on Oct. 24.
Jung goes into next season as a candidate to start at third base, though the team is leaving the door open for a potential addition at the hot corner.
“He’s coming in to compete to win a job,” president of baseball operations Scott Harris said. “Exactly the opportunity that’s in front of him is going to depend on what we do the rest of the offseason. These situations change super quick, like one free-agent signing or one trade.”
Said manager A.J. Hinch: “We’ve challenged him to get better in every area. He’s got to be a better defender. He can be a better hitter. He can be more patient. He’s going to hit the ball hard. But we believe in all of that, and I think he deserves the ability to compete, to prove it. He’s going to come back really prepared.”
Dec. 5: RHP Wilmer Flores, SS Eddys Leonard re-signed to Minor League deals
Flores and Leonard were both Top 30 prospects in the Tigers' system earlier this year who might have joined the many other prospects to debut in Detroit in 2024 if not for injuries. Both were designated for assignment and became free agents last month to open spots on Detroit’s 40-man roster. Both will be back in Tigers camp for Spring Training as non-roster invites with a chance to compete for spots again.
Flores, once a No. 3 prospect in the system, struggled to an 8.53 ERA with 24 walks and 23 strikeouts over 16 appearances for Triple-A Toledo in a season abbreviated by a right shoulder strain.
“When he’s right, it’s a big, physical, athletic arm with huge extension and an explosive fastball,” president of baseball operations Scott Harris said. “We’re excited we were able to bring him back. I think this guy can pitch in the big leagues. We have to recapture some of the stuff that he flashed in High-A and Double-A.”
Leonard batted .263/.326/.455 in 67 games for Toledo with 15 doubles, 10 homers and 26 RBIs, but missed time with an oblique injury.
INJURY UPDATES
RHP Alex Lange (lat surgery)
Expected return: Possibly Spring Training
Lange is playing catch to 120 feet, three times a week, according to the Tigers. The Tigers are not yet ready to determine whether he could be ready to pitch in Spring Training. (Last updated: Dec. 9)
INF Javier Báez (right hip surgery)
Expected return: Possibly Opening Day 2025
Báez had season-ending arthroscopic right hip surgery on Sept. 3. He has initiated a running progression and is expected to start light defensive drills shortly. (Last updated: Dec. 9)
RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long (left hip, right forearm)
Expected return: 2025
Gipson-Long began a throwing program the week of Sept. 30, about five months after he underwent Tommy John surgery. He is playing catch to 120 feet, three times a week. He is expected to be throwing in Spring Training, but might not be ready to pitch in Spring Training games. (Last updated: Dec. 9)
3B/2B Jace Jung (right wrist arthroscopy)
Expected return: Spring Training
Jung underwent a procedure on Oct. 24 to address lingering right wrist inflammation. He has initiated a hitting progression and is expected to be fully recovered in time for Spring Training, according to the team. (Last updated: Dec. 9)