Detroit Tigers roster status, free agents entering 2026-27 offseason

The Detroit Tigers 2026 season is over, which means it's time to start thinking about MLB free agency.

They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2023, and traded free agents-to-be Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, so the Tigers and fifth-year president of baseball operations Scott Harris face pressure to improve the roster.

The Tigers have six players entering free agency ahead of the 2027 season, with two holding club options for 2027 (pitchers Kenley Jansen and Drew Anderson).

They also have several core players under team control for multiple years or signed to long-term contract extensions.

Let's take a look at the contract situations of each Tigers player on the major league roster, listed by the year they hit free agency, through 2033.

Contract information gathered from FanGraphs and Baseball Reference.

Tigers free agents in 2027

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres runs toward home on an RBI single by third baseman Kevin McGonigle in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.

The Tigers currently feature six players who are set to become free agents ahead of the 2027 season, including two who could come back for 2027 should the Tigers pick up their club options.

RHP Drew Anderson ($10 million club option).
RHP Jack Flaherty.
RHP Kenley Jansen ($12 million club option, $2 million buyout).
RHP Tyler Kinley.
RHP Burch Smith.
2B Gleyber Torres.

Additionally, starter Justin Verlander announced his retirement, but could theoretically become a free agent in 2027 should he choose to forgo that plan.

Tigers free agents in 2028

Detroit Tigers left fielder Javier Báez (28) celebrates in the dugout after scoring against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.

There is a lot of potential money coming off the books for the Tigers after the 2027 season, with the final year of shortstop Javier Báez's six-year, $140 million contract he signed before the 2022 season.

SS Javier Báez.
RHP Kyle Finnegan ($10 million mutual option).
UTL Zach McKinstry.
LHP Framber Valdez ($35 million player option).
RHP Will Vest.
OF Matt Vierling.

Valdez could be a free agent if he declines his $35 million player option for 2028. Should he accept it, he could become a free agent after 2028 unless he and the Tigers both opt-in to his $40 million mutual option for 2029.

Tigers free agents in 2029

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Riley Greene (31) bats against Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.

Five key members of the Tigers core from their playoff runs in 2024 and 2025 are scheduled to become free agents in 2029, including a three-time All-Star and a former No. 1 overall pick.

RHP Beau Brieske.
RF/DH Kerry Carpenter.
LF Riley Greene.
LHP Tyler Holton.
1B Spencer Torkelson.

Tigers free agents in 2030

Detroit Tigers first baseman Colt Keith (33) bats a two run home run against Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.

The end of the 2029 season doesn't have big-name players entering free agency, save for infielder Colt Keith, who will be facing three years of team options starting in 2030.

RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long.
INF Colt Keith ($10 million club option, $2.6 million buyout).
RHP Reese Olson.
OF Wenceel Pérez.
RHP Jacob Waguespack.

If the Tigers pick up Keith's option in 2030, they have another team option for $13 million in 2031 and a third one for $15 million in 2032.

Tigers free agents in 2031

Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) bats against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Several important Tigers contributors hit free agency ahead of the 2031 season, including the franchise catcher and three key starting pitchers.

C Dillon Dingler.
RHP Brenan Hanifee.
LHP Brant Hurter.
RHP Jackson Jobe.
OF Corey Julks.
RHP Ty Madden.
OF Parker Meadows.
RHP Keider Montero.
RHP River Ryan.
SS Trey Sweeney.

Tigers free agents in 2032

Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton (52) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.

RHP Yilber Díaz.
LHP Bailey Horn.
INF Jace Jung.
RHP Troy Melton.
LHP Drew Sommers.

Tigers free agents in 2033

This is the expected timeframe for several Tigers rookies who have not yet accrued a year of service time, though their free agency years could change depending on their status for 2027.

OF Brett Callahan.
CF Max Clark.
OF Ben Malgeri.
INF Hao-Yu Lee.
SS John Peck.
C Eduardo Valencia.

There is one big name missing from this list: Kevin McGonigle, whose 8-year, $150 million contract extension ends at the end of the 2034 season, making him a free agent in 2035 (when he'll still be 30 years old).

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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers roster status, free agents entering 2026-27 offseason