Tigers Designate James Outman for Assignment in Latest Roster Shakeup
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The Detroit Tigers made another roster move before Sunday's series finale against the Kansas City Royals, and this one could signal the end of James Outman's brief tenure with the organization.
The Tigers activated Outman from the seven-day concussion injured list and designated him for assignment, according to an announcement from Tigers PR. Detroit also selected the contract of left-hander Andrew Sears from Triple-A Toledo and optioned Enmanuel De Jesus after Saturday's game.
Outman had been on the injured list since Aug. 13 after he was hit in the chin by a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians one day earlier. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 20, according to MLB's official transaction log, but Detroit decided to remove him from the 40-man roster rather than bring him back to the active roster.
Outman's Time With Tigers Could Be Coming to an End
The Tigers claimed Outman off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on June 11 when injuries had created a major need in center field. Javier Báez and Parker Meadows were both unavailable at the time, and Outman's ability to handle center field gave Detroit another experienced defensive option.
Outman appeared in 45 games for the Tigers and produced a .183/.240/.366 slash line with five home runs and 14 RBI. His offensive struggles made it difficult for him to establish a larger role once Detroit's roster situation began changing.
Max Clark has since reached the Major Leagues and taken over regular duties in center field, while Báez has also returned. Brett Callahan has joined the Major League roster as another young outfield option, giving the Tigers more flexibility than they had when Outman initially arrived.
The decision also opened the 40-man roster spot needed for Sears, who was expected to make his Major League debut Sunday. The 23-year-old left-hander posted a 2.16 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 58.1 innings in the minors this year.
Outman Has Struggled to Recapture His Rookie Success
Outman's current situation is a dramatic change from where his career stood three years ago. He broke out with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, producing a .248/.353/.437 slash line with 23 home runs and 70 RBI while finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
His offensive production dropped sharply after that year. Outman posted a .147/.256/.265 slash line over 53 games for Los Angeles in 2024 before struggling again in 2025 and eventually being traded to Minnesota for reliever Brock Stewart.
The Twins designated Outman for assignment June 6 before Detroit claimed him five days later. Less than three months later, the 29-year-old finds himself going through the process again.
Being designated for assignment does not immediately make Outman a free agent. According to MLB's transaction rules, Detroit has seven days to trade him or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
There is still a possibility Outman remains in the organization if he clears waivers and the roster process allows it. For now, though, the Tigers chose Sears and their evolving roster over bringing the veteran outfielder back for the stretch run.
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