Tigers Release Veteran Pitchers, Acquire Reliever, Offer Qualifying Deal to Torres
The Detroit Tigers made significant roster moves on Thursday, releasing two veteran right-handed pitchers and acquiring a new reliever. The team declined options for both Paul Sewald and José Urquidy while claiming Jack Little off waivers.
Tigers Decline Options on Veteran Pitchers
The Tigers opted not to exercise a $10 million mutual option for reliever Paul Sewald and a $4 million option for starter José Urquidy. Last season, Sewald joined the Tigers from the Guardians but struggled with injuries, appearing in only four games. His final stats included 4.1 innings pitched.
Both pitchers were recovery projects. Sewald has since become a free agent after the Tigers opted to buy out his contract for $1 million. Urquidy, signed in March while recovering from Tommy John surgery, also made a brief return but was not retained by the organization.
New Addition: Jack Little
- New Reliever: The Tigers claimed Jack Little, a 27-year-old reliever, from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Background: Little, a former fifth-round draft pick by the Dodgers in 2019, made his major league debut last July.
- Performance: He pitched in two games before being placed on waivers and subsequently picked up by the Pirates.
- Last Season: Expired his year with Triple-A Indianapolis, showcasing a fastball clocked at 94 mph alongside sliders and splitters.
Tigers Extend Qualifying Offer to Gleyber Torres
The Tigers have extended a qualifying offer of over $22 million for 2026 to free agent second baseman Gleyber Torres. As Torres enters his age-29 season after undergoing sports hernia surgery, he has until November 18 to decide on the offer.
If Torres declines the offer, the Tigers will receive a compensatory draft pick in 2026. Prior to his surgery, industry analysts estimated Torres’s value at approximately $60 million over three years.
Injury Updates
In addition to these roster moves, the Tigers reinstated six pitchers from the 60-day injured list back onto the 40-man roster:
- Beau Brieske
- Jason Foley
- Sean Guenther
- Jackson Jobe
- Ty Madden
- Reese Olson
Following these transactions, the Tigers’ 40-man roster is currently at full capacity. These moves set the stage for the upcoming season as the organization continues to shape its pitching staff.
