The Detroit Tigers have signed outfielder Austin Slater to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Major League Baseball Spring Training. The deal stipulates that Slater could earn a base salary of $2 million if he secures a spot on the team, along with the potential for an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses.
Slater, a right-handed hitter, will be vying for a role as a fourth outfielder. However, he comes off a challenging season where he posted a .216/.270/.372 batting line over 65 games split between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. His performance last season was likely affected by injuries, including a meniscus tear in his right knee early in the year, and a left hamstring strain that sidelined him for a month after the trade deadline.
Historically, Slater has been a productive player, especially as a complementary asset in the lineup. He enjoyed four consecutive seasons of above-average offensive production while playing for the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023, benefiting significantly from favorable matchups against left-handed pitchers. Throughout his career, Slater has excelled with a .267/.357/.430 batting average in over 1,000 plate appearances against southpaws, though his statistics drop significantly to .227/.311/.329 without the platoon advantage.
Under manager A.J. Hinch, the Tigers are known for their platoon-heavy approach, and their outfield has a strong left-handed presence. Kerry Carpenter is expected to handle the designated hitter role while also seeing time in right field. Meanwhile, Riley Greene will occupy left field, and Parker Meadows is projected to take over center field duties.
While Slater may be viewed as a backup option in center field, he is expected to be a solid defender in the corner outfield positions when necessary. Other potential bench options include Jahmai Jones, Matt Vierling, and switch-hitter Wenceel Pérez, who has shown better performance from the right side of the plate. Last season, Vierling struggled with injuries, and Pérez saw a disappointing September, dimming what had looked like a promising breakout season.
Slater, who has accumulated six years of service time and ended last season on the Yankees’ major league roster, enters the market as an Article XX(b) free agent. This status provides several automatic opt-out clauses under the collective bargaining agreement. He can opt out of the contract on March 21, May 1, or June 1, after which the Tigers would have two days to promote him or release him.
This strategic signing could bolster the Tigers’ depth in the outfield as they prepare for the upcoming season, adding experienced talent to their roster in a competitive environment.