Detroit Tigers’ Payroll Strategy: A Path to Blockbuster Free Agents
The Detroit Tigers are in the midst of shaping their roster for the 2026 season, and recent decisions at the non-tender deadline indicate a strategic approach moving forward. With the need for critical roster improvements, the Tigers have laid the groundwork for a more flexible payroll that could facilitate significant acquisitions in the near future.
Non-Tender Decisions Set the Tone
In a notable move, the Tigers opted to non-tender only one player, Andy Ibanez, who was eligible for salary arbitration. Meanwhile, they secured agreements with three other arbitration-eligible players—outfielder Matt Vierling, catcher Jake Rogers, and pitcher Beau Brieske—by signing them to one-year deals. This leaves eight remaining players still eligible for arbitration, with pitcher Tarik Skubal standing out as the most prominent figure in this group.
With just three veterans under contract, the Tigers have maintained considerable payroll flexibility. Their current roster, which successfully reached the American League Division Series for the second consecutive year, is poised for further adjustments.
Current Payroll Snapshot
At present, the Tigers’ payroll consists of three veteran contracts: infielder Javier Baez, infielder Gleyber Torres, and pitcher Jack Flaherty. Baez is on a long-term deal worth $24 million, while Torres accepted a one-year qualifying offer valued at $22.05 million. Flaherty, having triggered his player option, adds another $20 million to the mix. Collectively, this amounts to $66.05 million committed to these veterans.
However, the projected arbitration costs represent a substantial commitment as well. According to reports, the terms agreed upon for Vierling ($3.255 million), Rogers ($3.05 million), and Brieske ($1.025 million) total approximately $7.33 million.
Looking Ahead to Arbitration
As the Tigers assess the remaining eligible players, they will need to consider the potential arbitration figures for Skubal, Casey Mize, Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, Zach McKinstry, Kerry Carpenter, Will Vest, and Tyler Holton. MLB Trade Rumors projects the combined arbitration costs for this group could reach as high as $46.9 million, with Skubal leading the pack at a projected $17.8 million. Given that he recently clinched his second Cy Young Award and is eyeing free agency in 2027, there’s a possibility that his figure could surpass projections.
If the Tigers assume this projection for Skubal and add it to the previously agreed contracts along with the anticipated arbitration expenses, their financial commitments would amount to approximately $120.28 million for 14 players. Additionally, infielder Colt Keith, who is on a long-term deal, will earn $4.33 million in 2026, pushing the total payroll to around $125 million for 15 players.
Understanding Remaining Financial Flexibility
The remainder of the payroll will be allocated to pre-arbitration players, who will earn the league minimum based on their service time—typically less than $1 million each. This financial structure is a key reason why Spotrac currently projects the Tigers’ payroll at merely $136 million.
With an impressive $108 million still available under the $244 million competitive balance tax threshold, the Tigers find themselves in an enviable position. This financial flexibility opens the door for them to pursue major free agents and trade opportunities as they aim to bolster their roster and overcome playoff challenges in 2026. The upcoming months could witness the Tigers making a significant splash in the market as they seek to enhance their competitiveness in the league.
