The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their outfield depth by acquiring Brewer Hicklen from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. Hicklen, 29, is known for his speed and versatility in the outfield.

In the 2024 season, Hicklen played 115 games for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. He posted a .246 batting average, hitting 22 home runs, driving in 72 RBIs, and stealing 44 bases in 49 attempts. Defensively, he made 87 starts in right field, 12 in left field, and two in center field.

Despite his impressive Triple-A performance, Hicklen’s major league experience has been limited. He made brief appearances with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, going hitless in nine at-bats with eight strikeouts.

The Tigers’ outfield has faced challenges recently, with injuries affecting several players. Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, and Matt Vierling all started the season on the injured list. This situation left Riley Greene as the primary outfielder, prompting the Tigers to seek additional depth. To address this, they signed Manuel Margot, acquired Ben Gamel on a minor league contract, and now, with the addition of Hicklen, have reinforced their outfield options.

Hicklen’s speed and on-base skills make him a valuable asset for the Tigers. In his Triple-A career, he has accumulated 100 stolen bases in 110 attempts, showcasing his baserunning prowess. His ability to draw walks, with an 11.7% walk rate over the past four seasons, complements his aggressive baserunning.

To accommodate Hicklen on the 40-man roster, the Tigers transferred right-handed pitcher Ty Madden to the 60-day injured list. Madden is currently dealing with a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder, and this move allows the team flexibility while he recovers.

Hicklen will begin his tenure with the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens. This assignment provides him with regular playing time to further develop his skills and potentially earn a call-up to the major league roster.

This acquisition reflects the Tigers’ proactive approach to strengthening their outfield depth, especially given the recent injury challenges. Hicklen’s combination of speed, power, and defensive versatility offers the Tigers additional options as they navigate the early part of the 2025 season.