The Detroit Tigers have finalized their 2026 minor league coaching staff, locking in leadership across all seven affiliates-and ushering in a new wave of development voices throughout the system. It's a reshuffling that marks a continued evolution under assistant GM Ryan Garko and director of player development Shane Farrell, with fresh faces taking over at three of the top four levels.
But one familiar name won’t be returning: Andrew Graham, a staple in the Tigers' minor league system for over a decade and a half, is no longer with the organization. After managing Double-A Erie in 2025, the 43-year-old’s contract was not renewed, ending a 17-year tenure that began in 2009 and included 14 seasons as a manager. Graham’s journey through the Tigers’ pipeline saw him lead nearly every stop-Connecticut, West Michigan, Lakeland, and Erie-leaving a lasting imprint on the club’s player development fabric.
In Graham’s absence, the Tigers are promoting from within and bringing in some new blood. Tony Cappuccilli moves up from High-A West Michigan to manage Double-A Erie.
René Rivera, who led Low-A Lakeland last season, takes over at High-A. And Salvador Paniagua, formerly in the Florida Complex League, steps into the Low-A Lakeland role.
Brayan Peña, a former big-league catcher and longtime organizational figure, now takes the reins in the FCL after two years as a catching coordinator.
At the top of the ladder, Gabe Alvarez returns to manage Triple-A Toledo. It’s a key role, overseeing the final stage of development before players make the leap to Detroit, and Alvarez has earned trust within the organization for his steady leadership.
The Tigers’ staff moves also include a few notable new additions. Cole Roberts, son of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, joins the High-A West Michigan staff as bench coach under Rivera.
At just 25, Roberts is fresh off a playing career that included time as a utility man in the Phillies’ system, with a brief stint at Double-A Reading in 2025. He brings a modern perspective and recent on-field experience to a group of players not far removed from his own playing days.
In Erie, Nick Franklin steps in as bench coach. A former first-round pick and six-year MLB veteran, Franklin brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Mariners, Rays, and Brewers. At 34, he’s still young in coaching terms, and his presence in the dugout should be a valuable resource for Double-A players navigating the toughest jump in the minors.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Tigers’ 2026 minor league coaching staffs:
Triple-A Toledo (Manager: Gabe Alvarez)
- Hitting Coaches: Mike Hessman, Francisco Contreras
- Pitching Coach: Doug Bochtler
- Bullpen Coach: Jimmy Robbins
- Athletic Trainer: Scott Thurston
- Assistant Athletic Trainer: Alex Graham
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Phil Hartt
- Dietician: Madison Wyatt
Double-A Erie (Manager: Tony Cappuccilli)
- Pitching Coach: Nick Green
- Hitting Coach: Kyle Mackinnon
- Bench Coach: Nick Franklin
- Athletic Trainer: Bryce Hietpas
- Assistant Athletic Trainer: Marissa Nebel
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Paul Synenkyj
- Dietician: Nazirber Maduro
High-A West Michigan (Manager: René Rivera)
- Pitching Coach: Dan Ricabal
- Hitting Coach: Matt Malott
- Bench Coach: Cole Roberts
- Athletic Trainer: Nick Wheeler
- Assistant Athletic Trainer: Sydney Tarrh
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Gabe Sanchez
- Dietician: Cynthia Rincon
Low-A Lakeland (Manager: Salvador Paniagua)
- Pitching Coach: Tyler Anderson
- Hitting Coach: Freddie Landers
- Bench Coach: Chris Gutierrez
- Athletic Trainer: Justin Wagler
- Assistant Athletic Trainer: Cristina Torres
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Wyatt O’Brien
Florida Complex League (Manager: Brayan Peña)
- Pitching Coaches: Marcelo Alfonsin, Willians Moreno
- Hitting Coach: Rafael Gil
- Assistant Coach: Ben Steck
- Athletic Trainer: Haley Brown
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Keith Olmo
Dominican Summer League 1 (Manager: Marco Yepez)
- Pitching Coach: Rafael Acosta
- Hitting Coach: Omar Rosario
- Infield Coach: Ivan Contreras
- Assistant Coach: Darwyn Zambrano
- Development Coach: Jackson Pass
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Miguel Martinez
- Athletic Trainer: Tyler Spicer
Dominican Summer League 2 (Manager: Sandy Acevedo)
- Pitching Coach: Roberto Yil
- Hitting Coach: Francisco Martinez
- Infield Coach: Angel Cruz
- Catching Coach: Kelly Ramos
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches: Franklin Galvez, Felix Ojeda
- Athletic Trainer: Lararmi Glover
This is the fifth minor league staff assembled under Garko’s leadership and the second under Farrell, signaling a continued commitment to internal development and strategic staffing at every level. Whether it's grooming top prospects or helping late bloomers find their stride, the Tigers’ minor league infrastructure is built to support a wide range of player paths-and in 2026, that structure has a fresh look.