Tigers News: Spring Training dates, former division foe signs with Rockies, IFA class

The Detroit Tigers are officially on the clock for the 2026 season. Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training on Feb. 11, with the first full-squad workout scheduled for Feb. 15.

Detroit will play 29 Grapefruit League games before Opening Day, which is set for March 26. The Tigers’ spring slate begins Feb. 21 against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, followed by their first home game on Feb. 22 against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

With a little over a month until camp opens, the countdown is on for baseball’s return—and for the Tigers to begin shaping their 2026 roster in earnest.

Tigers News: Willi Castro signs two-year deal with Rockies

Former Tiger Willi Castro has landed a solid payday, reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $12.8 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. The 29-year-old utilityman, who was non-tendered by Detroit after the 2022 season, rebuilt his value in a big way with the division-rival Minnesota Twins, where a minor-league deal turned into one of the savviest pickups of the past three years.

Castro became a key piece of the Twins’ roster in 2023, appearing in 124 games and posting a .257/.339/.411 slash line with nine home runs, a 107 wRC+, and 33 stolen bases. His ability to play all over the diamond and impact the game on the bases made him one of baseball’s most effective multi-positional players, even with a late slump before free agency.

For Tigers fans, it’s another reminder of how Castro’s post-Detroit breakout stung—but also a testament to how far he’s come. From a non-tendered role player to a guaranteed eight-figure contract, Castro has turned a career crossroads into a well-earned second act.

Tigers News: International signings include $2.3 million Venezuelan catcher

On the first day of the 2026 international signing period, the Tigers made a major investment in their Latin American pipeline, securing a six-player class headlined by Venezuelan catcher Manuel Bolivar.

Bolivar, 17, received the Tigers’ largest bonus at $2.3 million. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitter ranks No. 12 on Baseball America’s Top 100 international prospects and No. 10 on FanGraphs’ list. Detroit also signed Venezuelan shortstop Oscar Tineo ($1.45 million), a 6-foot-3 switch-hitter ranked 16th by FanGraphs, along with Venezuelan outfielders Douglas Olivo and Santiago Ventura.

From the Dominican Republic, the Tigers landed outfielder Randy Santana—ranked seventh by FanGraphs and 34th by Baseball America—for more than $1 million, plus shortstop Eduardo Tusen, whose bonus has not yet been disclosed.

Detroit will devote the bulk of its $7.36 million international bonus pool to these five marquee signees, continuing a front-office philosophy centered on up-the-middle athletes with projection. Three years into its revamped international strategy under Scott Harris, Detroit’s latest class reflects a clear focus on size, athleticism, and long-term upside—despite logistical challenges in Venezuela that the club credited its local staff for navigating smoothly.