The Detroit Tigers made several significant roster decisions ahead of the 6 p.m. deadline, reshaping the 40-man roster while also receiving a major boost from the news that Gleyber Torres accepted the qualifying offer to return to Detroit.

With one of their biggest offseason questions temporarily settled, the Tigers shifted their focus toward protecting key prospects ahead of the December 10 Rule 5 draft. Five players were added to the 40-man roster, while six pitchers were designated for assignment as the front office continues to refine its depth chart.

Torres’ decision to stay in Detroit immediately alters the complexion of the offseason. The Tigers needed an established hitter who could lengthen the lineup, and Torres brings that with his blend of plate discipline, contact quality, and postseason experience. While Detroit still needs another impact bat, retaining Torres removes one major concern and gives the front office additional clarity on how aggressively they can pursue upgrades at shortstop or in the outfield.

With Torres staying, the rest of the day centered on internal evaluations, and the headline move was the addition of Trei Cruz. His rise has been one of the best developments in the system. Cruz can play almost everywhere on the field, including shortstop, third base, and center.

His defensive versatility is already big league ready, but the real change has been at the plate. His decision-making, improved contact quality, and ability to control at bats made the choice to protect him an easy one. Cruz looks like a player who could contribute in Detroit sooner rather than later.

Hao-Yu Lee also earned protection after a season defined by adjustments. While his offensive year was uneven, the tools remain loud enough that another club could have easily stashed him in a utility role. Detroit believes strongly in the bat to ball skill, athleticism, and potential for growth as he learns to tighten his strike zone discipline. Given his age and long runway, exposing him to the Rule 5 draft would have carried too much risk.

The Tigers also protected two different types of catching options in Eduardo Valencia and Thayron Liranzo. Valencia has steadily climbed the organizational ladder on the strength of a more advanced offensive profile, leading the organization in home runs last year with 24. He hits velocity, has natural lift, and made clear year over year progress.

Liranzo offers something different. His defense is still raw, and he did not catch after early July, but the bat is what drives his value. The switch hitter owns plus raw power and has the potential to change games with one swing. But the high strikeout numbers in his first full season in Double-A(31%), shows he still has some work to do.  Even with the high strikeout numbers, teams picking in the Rule 5 draft often take chances on big bats, which made protecting him a priority. 

Left-hander Jake Miller was the final addition. Detroit sees him as a command oriented arm with the potential to help the bullpen or rotation depth chart as early as next season. He is efficient, throws strikes, and limits hard contact. With so much turnover on the pitching side, Miller provides valuable stability.

To clear space, Detroit designated six pitchers for assignment: Dugan Darnell, Jason Foley, Sean Guenther, Jack Little, Tyler Mattison, and Tanner Rainey. Foley is the most notable name after multiple seasons of high-leverage work, but a mix of injuries, declining velocity, and inconsistent command made the decision unavoidable. Several of the others, including Darnell, Mattison, and Little, could be candidates to return on minor league deals given their familiarity with the organization and the flashes they have shown.

The Tigers appear to be prioritizing younger or more projectable relief options as they restructure the bullpen. Rainey and Little had only brief opportunities to make an impression, while Guenther was squeezed out by Detroit’s growing left-handed depth.

With these moves completed, Detroit has a more defined picture of its depth heading into winter meetings. Securing Torres for another season gives the Tigers a proven everyday infielder and buys the front office time as it evaluates both free agency and the trade market. Protecting five young players reinforces how much internal development has shaped the organization’s direction. The roster is far from finished, but the foundation for the next steps is becoming much clearer.

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