Detroit Tigers 2026 Opening Day Roster: Ranking All 66 Players

This piece gives a snapshot of the Detroit Tigers’ spring training camp as things kick off in Lakeland, Florida. The team brings a 66-player group, and there’s already some chatter about the Opening Day roster, plus how injuries and moves in camp might shake things up.

Justin Verlander isn’t with the team right now—he’s away for a family matter. Even so, the roster seems pretty settled, especially in the bullpen, which leans heavily on veterans. The everyday lineup looks like it’ll stick with a core group that should compete for top spots.

Rotation and Bullpen Outlook

The Tigers show up with a clear idea for their starting staff and how they’ll get through the late innings. They’re planning on a five-man rotation, mixing durable arms with younger talent.

The bullpen has plenty of experience, with veterans expected to take charge. Of course, things could shift as players get hurt or surprise everyone in camp.

Projected Starting Rotation

• Framber Valdez
• Jack Flaherty
• Justin Verlander (currently absent but expected back)
• Casey Mize
• Tarik Skubal

The Tigers are counting on a mix of proven winners and power arms to lead the rotation. With Verlander out for now, they might need to get creative with bullpen usage or long-relief guys to cover those early innings.

Bullpen Roles and Candidates

• Kyle Finnegan and Kenley Jansen are set to anchor the bullpen
• Late-inning roles are up for grabs among Will Vest, Tyler Holton, and Brant Hurter
• Young pitchers like Beau Brieske and Brenan Hanifee are also in the running
• Whether Troy Melton and Keider Montero make the team or head to Toledo is still up in the air
• The team could add another lefty from internal options or non-roster guys like Sean Guenther, Bryan Sammons, Enmanuel De Jesus, or Konnor Pilkington

With Verlander gone for now, bullpen competition might lean toward power arms and lefty options. The Tigers will keep a close eye on their internal depth as spring rolls on.

Position Players and Opening Day Outlook

Most of the position groups look set, but there’s always room for debate about depth and versatility. The early roster guesswork shows a blend of established players and younger faces pushing for spots.

Infield and Shortstop/Utility

• Zach McKinstry is expected to handle shortstop and utility work, giving the infield some flexibility
• Prospect Kevin McGonigle could make a case for the majors if he impresses
• Other infielders in the mix: Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, Dillon Dingler, Javier Báez, Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson, Jake Rogers, and Colt Keith

Outfield, Bench and Depth

• The main outfield and bench options are Parker Meadows, Jahmai Jones, Wenceel Pérez, and Matt Vierling
• Anyone hoping to crack that group will need to stand out internally or arrive as a late addition

Depth and flexibility could matter a lot, especially if injuries pop up or someone gets hot at just the right time.

Prospects, Depth and Injury Considerations

Spring camp always gives prospects and depth players a shot to prove themselves. Some could help out later in the year or even become trade chips.

Prospects in the Mix

• Infielders and depth options like Trey Sweeney, Trei Cruz, Hao-Yu Lee, and Jace Jung are in line for backup roles or future call-ups
• Prospects such as Corey Julks, Max Anderson, Max Clark, Ben Malgeri, and John Peck add organizational depth in both the infield and outfield

Injury List and Non-Roster Invitees

• Several pitchers started camp on the injured list: Tyler Owens, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Troy Watson, Dugan Darnell, and Jake Miller
• Jackson Jobe and Reese Olson are stuck on the 60-day IL, which complicates early-season depth
• Injuries and mid-camp moves have already changed Opening Day expectations, so the roster picture will probably keep changing

Bottom Line: A Fluid Opening Day Picture

Detroit’s spring picture looks settled on paper, but camp always finds ways to shake things up. Health and last-minute roster moves can change everything in a blink.

The Tigers roll into Lakeland with a good mix of veterans and young guys. They’ve got a five-man rotation, a bullpen led by experienced arms, and an infield that can shift around if someone gets hurt or just isn’t clicking.

If you’re following along, keep an eye on the bullpen. Someone unexpected might make a push, or a non-roster invitee could force their way onto the Opening Day roster.

Note: All roster projections depend on health, spring performance, and whatever surprises the front office might have in store. An injury or a new signing could flip the script before Opening Day.

 
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