Detroit Tigers Alumni Land New Roles in Korea and Japan

This piece looks at three former Detroit Tigers who are taking their next swing at professional success overseas in 2026.

With Wilkel Hernandez and Daz Cameron heading to Korea’s KBO League and Easton Lucas joining Japan’s historic Hanshin Tigers, their moves highlight how more MLB fringe and depth players are chasing opportunity and stability in Asia’s top leagues.

Wilkel Hernandez Heads to Hanwha Eagles in the KBO

Wilkel Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher who’s been a familiar name in the Tigers’ system for nearly a decade, is set to join the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization in 2026.

He’s 26 now, entering what should be his prime years on the mound, and Hanwha seems to believe his development arc still has room to climb.

Hernandez came to Detroit in 2017 as part of the Ian Kinsler trade with the Los Angeles Angels. That deal really captured the Tigers’ rebuilding phase.

Since then, he’s quietly worked his way up the ladder. In 2025, he led Triple-A Toledo in innings pitched.

For the Eagles, Hernandez checks several important boxes:

For Hernandez, the KBO offers something he struggled to secure in the U.S.: a clearer shot at a regular rotation spot and a chance to redefine his value on an international stage.

What Hanwha Gains with Hernandez

Hanwha has searched for stability in its starting rotation for a while now. By adding a pitcher who just led a Triple-A staff in innings, the Eagles get a reliable workhorse who can anchor the middle of the rotation.

If Hernandez sharpens his command, he could become more than just an innings-eater in Korea.

Daz Cameron Signs with Doosan Bears

Outfielder Daz Cameron, who turns 29 in January, is taking his career to the Doosan Bears of the KBO.

Cameron, once a highly regarded prospect, has experienced the full roller coaster of modern MLB life, bouncing between organizations while fighting for consistent playing time.

Cameron logged parts of five MLB seasons from 2020 through 2025, appearing with:

That journey says a lot. He’s got enough ability to stay on big-league radars, but not quite enough opportunity—or maybe consistency—to stick in one place.

Why the KBO Fits Cameron’s Profile

The KBO has become a haven for toolsy outfielders who want a reset. Cameron brings a mix of speed, athleticism, and some pop that could play well in Korea’s more contact-focused environment.

If he tightens up his approach at the plate and finds more consistent contact, he could become a middle-of-the-order presence for Doosan and offer solid outfield defense.

Easton Lucas Joins Hanshin Tigers in NPB

Left-handed pitcher Easton Lucas is taking his talents to Japan, signing with the storied Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Professional Baseball.

He’s 29, a southpaw who arrives in NPB with just a taste of big-league experience but plenty of travel stamps on his baseball passport.

Originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2019, Lucas has been part of multiple trades. That’s a familiar path for left-handed arms who project as versatile bullpen or swingman options.

He saw brief MLB action with the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025. Still, he never quite carved out a stable role.

Hanshin’s Strategy with Lucas

NPB teams value left-handed pitchers who can change looks, mix speeds, and navigate both left- and right-handed batters. Lucas’s adaptability should let Hanshin use him in several roles:

Japan’s emphasis on command, sequencing, and pitchability could bring out another layer in Lucas’s game. Maybe he’ll turn into a key weapon out of the Tigers’ bullpen—wouldn’t that be something?

Part of a Larger Trend: Matt Manning and the Overseas Pipeline

This trio of former Tigers isn’t heading overseas in isolation. They join right-hander Matt Manning, who just signed a one-year deal to pitch in Korea. It really highlights a bigger shift—more former MLB arms and role players are chasing opportunity abroad these days.

For MLB organizations like Detroit, this feels like a natural extension of their development pipeline. Not every player sticks in the majors, but a lot of them manage to carve out solid careers internationally.

Leagues like the KBO and NPB offer players steady roles and competitive salaries. Plus, they get the chance to be featured, not just hang around on the fringes.

Wilkel Hernandez, Daz Cameron, and Easton Lucas have wrapped up their Tigers chapter. Now, 2026 kicks off a new story for them in Korea and Japan—leagues that have become both a lifeline and a launchpad for pros determined to show they still belong with the game’s best.

 
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