The Detroit Tigers are making some notable shifts in their player development pipeline heading into the 2026 season, announcing a fresh slate of minor-league managers and coaches across their affiliates. The changes bring new faces into key roles, while also marking the end of a long-standing chapter for one of the organization's most familiar names.
A New Era in the Minors
Three of the Tigers’ top four affiliates will have new managers this year. Gabe Alvarez takes over at Triple-A Toledo, Tony Cappuccilli steps in at Double-A Erie, and René Rivera will lead High-A West Michigan.
Salvador Paniagua returns to manage Low-A Lakeland, while Brayan Peña continues to work with young talent in the Florida Complex League. In the Dominican Summer League, Marco Yepez and Sandy Acevedo will oversee DSL 1 and DSL 2, respectively.
This staff reconfiguration is the fifth under assistant GM Ryan Garko and the second under director of player development Shane Farrell, reflecting the organization’s continued emphasis on aligning its developmental philosophy from top to bottom.
Andrew Graham’s Long Run Comes to a Close
Perhaps the most poignant change is the departure of Andrew Graham. After 14 seasons managing across nearly every level of the Tigers’ system, Graham’s contract was not renewed following the 2025 season.
A former catcher drafted by Detroit in 2003, the 43-year-old Australian had become a fixture in the organization, leading clubs in West Michigan, Lakeland, and most recently Erie. His exit marks the end of a significant era in the Tigers’ minor-league development, one defined by consistency, leadership, and deep institutional knowledge.
Fresh Talent Joins the Coaching Ranks
Among the new additions is 25-year-old Cole Roberts, who brings a notable baseball pedigree as the son of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He’ll serve as the bench coach at High-A West Michigan, offering a young, modern voice in the dugout.
Also joining the fold is former MLB infielder Nick Franklin, who will assist Cappuccilli as bench coach in Erie. These hires reflect Detroit’s growing investment in blending experience with fresh perspectives, aiming to better connect with today’s generation of players.
Avisail García Hangs Up the Cleats
In other Tigers-related news, former Detroit outfielder Avisail García officially announced his retirement from baseball, capping a 13-year big-league career that began in the Motor City.
Signed out of Venezuela at just 16 years old, García rose through the Tigers’ system and made his MLB debut in 2012, playing a small but memorable role in Detroit’s World Series run that year. With his imposing frame and raw power, García drew early comparisons-fair or not-to fellow Venezuelan and Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera.
But his time in Detroit was brief. In 2013, he was dealt to the White Sox in the three-team trade that brought slick-fielding shortstop José Iglesias to Detroit.
García’s best seasons came after he left the Tigers, including an All-Star nod in 2017. Still, his journey began in Detroit, and he leaves the game with over 1,100 games played, more than 1,000 hits, 140 home runs, and a career slash line of .263/.316/.417. He also earned over $84 million during his time in the majors-an impressive haul for a player who once signed as a teenager with a dream.
Riley Greene Opts Out of WBC to Focus on Tigers
Riley Greene, one of the Tigers’ cornerstone young stars, won’t be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Though eligible to play for Team Puerto Rico through his mother, Greene declined the invite, opting instead to stay in camp with Detroit throughout spring training.
Greene had hoped to represent Team USA-just as he did as a teenager at the 2018 Pan-American Championships-but didn’t receive an invitation this time around. He also passed on a WBC opportunity with Puerto Rico back in 2023.
For the Tigers, Greene’s decision means he’ll be fully locked in on Opening Day preparations. Detroit kicks off the regular season on March 26 in San Diego against the Padres. The team’s first full-squad workout is set for February 15 in Lakeland, where Greene will be front and center, continuing to cement his role as one of the faces of the franchise.
Final Thoughts
Between the coaching shakeups, a longtime Tiger saying goodbye, and one of the team’s brightest stars doubling down on his commitment to spring training, there’s a lot happening beneath the surface in Detroit. While the big-league club continues its climb back into contention, the foundation being laid across the minors-and the decisions being made by players like Greene-will play a major role in shaping what’s next for the Tigers.