FORT MYERS, FL- MARCH 11: Kevin McGonigle #85 of the Detroit Tigers bats during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on March 11, 2026 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) (Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins, 2026 Minnesota Twins)
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced six roster moves to finalize their Opening Day roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Here are the moves the Tigers announced on Wednesday:
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Infielder Kevin McGonigle, the team’s top prospect and the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, was added to the 40-man roster and will also be on the active roster to start the season.
Right-handed reliever Dylan Smith was designated for assignment to make room for McGonigle, meaning Smith is no longer on the 40-man roster and could be selected by another team.
Right-handed reliever Brenan Hanifee was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
Right-handed starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain.
Left-handed reliever Bailey Horn was placed on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from a left elbow arthroscopy.
Infielder Trey Sweeney was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.
The IL placements for Gipson-Long, Horn, and Sweeney are retroactive to March 22.
That means this is the Tigers’ full 26-man roster to begin 2026:
Catcher Dillon Dingler
First baseman Spencer Torkelson
Second baseman Gleyber Torres
Infielder Kevin McGonigle
Infielder Colt Keith
Left fielder Riley Greene
Center fielder/infielder Javier Baez
Right fielder/designated hitter Kerry Carpenter
Outfielder Matt Vierling
Center fielder Parker Meadows
Infielder Zach McKinstry
Catcher Jake Rogers
Outfielder Jahmai Jones
Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal
Starting pitcher Framber Valdez
Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander
Starting pitcher Casey Mize
Right-handed reliever Will Vest
Right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen
Right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan
Right-handed reliever Drew Anderson
Right-handed reliever Connor Seabold
Left-handed reliever Tyler Holton
Left-handed reliever Brant Hurter
Left-handed reliever Enmanuel De Jesus
The Tigers open the season Thursday against the Padres in San Diego.
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Derick is the Digital Executive Producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.