Detroit Tigers have agreed to a minor league deal with outfielder Austin Slater, according to reports from Jon Heyman of the Modern York Post. The deal includes an invitation to big league spring training.
Slater, represented by the Ballengee Group, will earn $2 million if added to the Tigers’ major league roster, with the potential for an additional $500,000 in incentives, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided.
The agreement comes after an unsuccessful stint with the New York Yankees in 2025. Slater was acquired by the Yankees at the trade deadline from the Chicago White Sox, with pitching prospect Gage Ziehl going to Chicago. He appeared in just three games for New York before a hamstring strain landed him on the injured list in August, and he wasn’t activated until September.
Prior to joining the Yankees, Slater spent a majority of his nine-year MLB career with the San Francisco Giants. He signed a one-year deal with the White Sox last offseason and was productive, slashing .236/.299/.423 with five home runs in 51 games and 135 plate appearances, posting an .859 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
Despite his history of success against lefties, Greg Joyce of the New York Post indicated that the Yankees “probably” wouldn’t re-sign Slater in free agency, noting he “struggled to do just that” in New York.
Slater has similarly played for the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles during his career. He remains a free agent until he reports to spring training with the Tigers.
