The Tigers needed another outfielder as the injuries continue to pile up.
The AL Central club is bringing in the veteran outfielder on a minor league deal.
According to Mark Feinsand, the Tigers have signed Ben Gamel to a minor league deal. The contract is worth $1.2 million plus incentives.
Ben Gamel will begin the season in Triple-A Toledo but could serve as a valuable depth piece in Detroit’s outfield. The veteran has played in the majors for the past nine seasons, spending time with teams like the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Mets.
The 32-year-old has a career .252 batting average but was limited to just 38 games in 2024 with Houston and New York, posting a .247/.384/.333 slash line. Primarily a left fielder, Gamel provides much-needed depth for the Tigers, who have been hit hard by injuries.
Parker Meadows is expected to be out until at least June, while Matt Vierling, who plays both third base and outfield, is dealing with a rotator cuff issue that will sideline him for Opening Day. The Tigers had hoped Wenceel Pérez could help fill the gap, but he also went down with a back injury in spring training.
Given these setbacks, Gamel’s signing becomes even more significant as Detroit looks to reinforce its outfield.
With the Tigers’ outfield currently dealing with multiple injuries, there’s a strong chance Ben Gamel gets called up to the big leagues sooner rather than later. He brings plenty of experience, which could be valuable for a Detroit team that, while talented, lacks a deep pool of seasoned veterans.
Having played in the majors for nearly a decade, Gamel has been around the league and could provide leadership both on and off the field. His presence could be a stabilizing force for the Tigers as they navigate early-season roster challenges.
