Tigers Finalize Opening Day Roster with 6 Key Moves

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 28, 2026 8:53 AM ET

Tigers Finalize Opening Day Roster with 6 Key Moves

The Detroit Tigers announced six moves Wednesday to finalize their Opening Day roster for the 2026 season. The changes include a high-profile promotion, roster churn, and multiple injured list placements.

Key roster moves

Infielder Kevin McGonigle was added to the 40-man roster and will start the season on the active roster.
McGonigle is the Tigers’ top prospect and is ranked No. 2 among all baseball prospects.
Right-handed reliever Dylan Smith was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man spot.
Right-handed reliever Brenan Hanifee was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
Right-handed starter Sawyer Gipson-Long was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain.
Left-handed reliever Bailey Horn was placed on the 15-day injured list after left elbow arthroscopy.
Infielder Trey Sweeney was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.

Injury-list timing and implications

The IL placements for Gipson-Long, Horn, and Sweeney are retroactive to March 22. That timing affects roster flexibility during early season games.

Dylan Smith’s designation means he’s off the 40-man roster and could be claimed by another club. The team made these moves to finalize its Opening Day roster with six moves.

Opening Day roster

Below is Detroit’s 26-man roster to open the 2026 season.

Catcher: Dillon Dingler.
Catcher: Jake Rogers.
First base: Spencer Torkelson.
Second base: Gleyber Torres.
Infielder: Kevin McGonigle.
Infielder: Colt Keith.
Infielder: Zach McKinstry.
Left field: Riley Greene.
Center field / Infielder: Javier Báez.
Right field / Designated hitter: Kerry Carpenter.
Outfield: Matt Vierling.
Center field: Parker Meadows.
Outfield: 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.

McGonigle was seen batting in spring training on March 11 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. The promotion rewards his strong prospect standing and spring performance.

Detroit opens the season Thursday in San Diego against the Padres. The club enters the year with this final 26-man group.

Report for Filmogaz.com.