DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers non-tendered veteran infielder Andy Ibáñez on Friday night, parting ways with the popular utility man whose standout moment came with a crucial playoff hit in 2024.
The Tigers reached agreements with three arbitration-eligible players: Catcher Jake Rogers ($3.05 million); outfielder Matt Vierling ($3.26 million); and right-handed reliever Beau Brieske ($1.16 million).
Although they have not yet agreed to new deals, the Tigers tendered 2026 contracts to eight other arbitration-eligible players: left-handed pitchers Tarik Skubal and Tyler Holton; right-handed pitchers Casey Mize and Will Vest; infielder Zach McKinstry; outfielders Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter; and first baseman Spencer Torkelson.
Every other player on the 40-man roster was also extended a 2026 contract, although those who haven’t reached arbitration status generally accept a salary at roughly the league minimum of $780,000.
The Tigers have until Jan. 9, 2026, to exchange arbitration figures with their eight remaining eligible players. If they cannot reach agreements, the salaries will be determined at arbitration hearings in February.
The Tigers also non-tendered six pitchers who had already been designated for assignment and removed from the roster earlier this week: Right-handers Jason Foley, Dugan Darnell, Jack Little, Tyler Mattison and Tanner Rainey, and left-hander Sean Guenther.
In baseball, a player under team control who is not offered a contract for the coming year is said to be “non-tendered.” The player is removed from the 40-man roster and becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any team, including his former club.
By non-tendering players who had already been DFA’d, the Tigers essentially preempted the waiver process and granted the players free agency. The Tigers now have a chance to make their pitch to those they’d like to retain on minor-league deals.
Friday night was the leaguewide deadline for tendering 2026 contracts to players. Among the notable players who were non-tendered were Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia and catcher Jonah Heim.
Ibáñez, 32, came to the Tigers on a waiver claim from the Rangers before the 2023 season.
He’s spent most of the last three years as the club’s primary right-handed platoon bat. Ibáñez is known for plus defense at second and third base and a knack for battering left-handed pitching.
But while his defense was excellent in 2025, his bat cooled off considerably. He was sent to Toledo amid a prolonged offensive slump on June 6. After hitting well upon his return, he cooled off again late in the season.
Ibáñez’s roster spot was also squeezed by Jahmai Jones, who was excellent against lefties in 2025, and Javier Baez, who can serve as a right-handed hitting utility man in addition to his shortstop duties.
Ibáñez’s biggest moment as a Tiger came in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series in 2024 against the Houston Astros.
With two outs and two strikes in the eighth inning, Ibáñez laced a pinch-hit double against dominant lefty reliever Josh Hader, clearing the bases and turning a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 lead.
TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (39)
Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Holton, Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, Jake Miller, Tarik Skubal, Drew Sommers.
Right-handed pitchers (13): Beau Brieske, Jack Flaherty, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Brenan Hanifee, Jackson Jobe, Chase Lee, Ty Madden, Troy Melton, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese Olson, Dylan Smith, Will Vest.
Catchers (4): Dillon Dingler, Thayron Liranzo, Jake Rogers, Eduardo Valencia.
Infielders (9): Javier Báez, Trei Cruz, Jace Jung, Colt Keith, Hao-Yu Lee, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres.
Outfielders (7): Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Jahmai Jones, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling.
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