Discover the pitchers vying for attention. These non-roster invitees could surprise and shape Detroit's bullpen. Watch for velocity, unique deliveries, and hidden potential.
Tigers 2026 Spring Training Guide
Non-Roster Invite Pitchers to Know
Non-roster invitees aren’t just camp bodies. They’re depth insurance, bullpen competition, and occasionally, the surprise arm that forces a roster decision.
Here’s who to watch.
RHP Phil Bickford
Bickford brings major league experience and velocity. The fastball has historically lived in the mid-to-upper 90s, and when his slider is sharp, he misses bats in bunches.
What to watch:
- Strike-throwing consistency
- Ability to handle high-leverage looks late in games
He profiles as a bullpen depth piece who could be first-call if the Tigers need right-handed relief help early.
RHP Dugan Darnell
More of a developmental arm, Darnell represents system depth. He’s the type of pitcher spring training is built for, proving he can handle upper-level hitters.
What to watch:
- Command under pressure
- Whether he can work multiple innings
RHP Scott Effross
Effross is intriguing because of his unique arm slot and movement profile. When healthy, he generates uncomfortable at-bats and weak contact.
What to watch:
- Health
- Ground ball rate
- Effectiveness vs right-handed hitters
If he’s sharp, he could absolutely factor into bullpen competition.
LHP Sean Guenther
Left-handed depth always matters. Guenther’s path likely runs through matchup relief.
What to watch:
- Ability to neutralize left-handed bats
- First-pitch strikes
A strong March could put him in the early call-up mix.
RHP Jack Little
Little has flashed swing-and-miss stuff in the minors. The Tigers have shown a willingness to convert power arms into bullpen pieces.
What to watch:
- Fastball velocity
- Slider command
If the stuff ticks up, he becomes interesting quickly.
RHP Tyler Mattison
Mattison brings size and downhill angle. That profile often intrigues pitching development staffs.
What to watch:
- Strike efficiency
- Ability to work in back-to-back outings
He’s fighting for depth positioning in Triple-A.
RHP Tyler Owens
Owens has been around the system and understands how to navigate lineups.
What to watch:
- Breaking ball sharpness
- Command consistency
He fits as a depth swingman candidate.
RHP Tanner Rainey
Rainey is one of the more recognizable names. With past MLB closing experience and a fastball that can reach triple digits, the upside is obvious.
What to watch:
- Velocity recovery
- Walk rate
If he throws strikes, he’s not just depth — he’s a legitimate bullpen candidate.
LHP Bryan Sammons
A lefty who has worked both as a starter and reliever, Sammons offers flexibility.
What to watch:
- Multi-inning effectiveness
- How he handles right-handed bats
Swingman depth has value over 162 games.
RHP Matt Seelinger
A control-focused arm, Seelinger wins more with location than overpowering stuff.
What to watch:
- Weak contact
- Efficiency in low-leverage innings
He profiles as steady organizational depth.
RHP Burch Smith
Smith brings veteran presence and a wide pitch mix.
What to watch:
- Usage patterns
- Ability to bridge middle innings
Experience matters in a long season — especially with younger starters potentially on innings limits.
RHP Ricky Vanasco
Vanasco is one of the higher-upside arms in this group. The raw stuff can be electric.
What to watch:
- Fastball command
- Secondary pitch consistency
If he throws strikes, he could jump tiers quickly.
RHP Cole Waites
Waites has shown strikeout ability in the minors and flashes of bullpen-ready stuff.
What to watch:
- Swing-and-miss rates
- Late-inning composure
He fits the modern power-reliever mold.
RHP Troy Watson
Watson is developmental depth but brings size and arm strength.
What to watch:
- Refinement of secondary pitches
- Strike efficiency
I like Watson's velocity, and I think he could be considered as an 8th or 9th starter, aka a first call-up possibility from Toledo.
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