The Detroit Tigers made a significant move today that signals they’re serious about contending in 2026, bringing back a familiar face - and future Hall of Famer - in Justin Verlander. That headline-grabbing signing gives their rotation a major boost. But it wasn’t the only move Detroit made.
The Tigers also added outfielder Austin Slater on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. It’s a low-risk signing - $2 million if he makes the big-league roster, with another $500K in performance bonuses - but one that could pay real dividends.
Now, Verlander is obviously the marquee name here, but Slater’s signing shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially for fans in Cleveland, where the Guardians’ outfield situation remains a work in progress, this one might sting a bit.
Slater is coming off a rough 2025 campaign, splitting time between the White Sox and Yankees and batting just .216 over 61 games. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see why teams still see value in the 31-year-old veteran: he’s long been a thorn in the side of left-handed pitching.
While his splits last season weren’t great - he hit just .224 against lefties - his career numbers tell a different story. Slater owns a .267 career average against southpaws, and as recently as two seasons ago, he posted a .288 mark in those matchups. That kind of platoon production doesn’t grow on trees, especially from a right-handed bat that doesn’t require everyday reps to stay sharp.
Slater’s role has always been that of a platoon specialist. He’s been in the majors for nearly a decade but has only played more than 100 games in a season twice.
That’s less about durability and more about usage - he’s a situational weapon, not an everyday starter. And in the right situation, that’s exactly what makes him valuable.
Which brings us back to Cleveland.
The Guardians’ outfield was one of the weakest offensive units in baseball last season, hitting just .223 overall - and a near-identical .222 against left-handed pitching. Heading into 2026, their outfield picture still leans heavily left-handed, with Johnathan Rodríguez standing as the only clear righty in the mix. Prospects like Chase DeLauter and George Valera are expected to take on bigger roles, and there’s real upside there, but the group still lacks balance.
That’s where a player like Slater could’ve made a real impact. He wouldn’t have blocked the young guys - he’s not an everyday player - but he would’ve given the Guardians a reliable right-handed bat to deploy in matchups where they struggled most.
And on a minor league deal? That’s the kind of move that makes too much sense.
Cleveland did bring in Stuart Fairchild on a similar minor league deal, and he fits a similar mold - right-handed, athletic, and capable of filling a platoon role. But Slater’s track record, especially against lefties, arguably makes him the more intriguing option.
So while Verlander’s return to Detroit will dominate the headlines - and rightfully so - the Tigers may have quietly landed another piece that could help them this season. And for the Guardians, missing out on a low-cost, high-upside fit like Slater, especially to a division rival, adds a little extra salt to the wound.