Tigers Claim Former Dodgers Standout off Waivers

Outman, 29, was a once-promising player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who burst onto the scene in 2023. Playing in 151 games, the lefty hit .248/.353/.437 with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 86 runs scored, 16 stolen bases and a 117 wRC+. Outman was also a great asset in the field, being worth 8 Outs Above Average and 7 Fielding Runs as an everyday center fielder. Overall, he registered 3.9 fWAR and finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Kodai Senga of the New York Mets and unanimous winner Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sadly, Outman has since struggled immensely. He spent most of 2024 and 2025 with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets before the Dodgers traded him to the Twins at last year's trade deadline for Brock Stewart. Outman went on to play in 37 games with Minnesota last year but hit just .147/.221/.337 while striking out in over 40% of his plate appearances.

In 161 games since 2024, Outman has a .144/.235/.284 slash line with 10 home runs, a woeful 47 wRC+ and -1.0 fWAR. He's struck out in 39.3% of his plate appearances, with a 41.4% strikeout rate this year. Minnesota eventually decided to cut their losses and designated the outfielder for assignment on June 6.

The Tigers currently sit in fourth place in the AL Central at 29-40, but have won seven of their last 10 games, including their blowout win over the Twins on Thursday. Ace pitcher Tarik Skubal is also returning on Saturday after a remarkable recovery from elbow surgery, further giving the Tigers reason to build as much momentum as possible.

Getting Outman doesn't hurt the Tigers despite his struggles, as their outfield has been decimated with Baez and Parker Meadows injured. They've been forced to use Matt Vierling in center field for the time being, but his -7 Defensive Runs Saved at the position this year makes him a liability, while he's also struggled offensively. Outman's far superior defense can stabilize center field for now, while the Tigers can also try to help him rediscover what made him a productive hitter as a rookie.

With Outman out of minor league options and the Tigers having a full 26-man active roster at the moment, Detroit will need to free up another spot before tomorrow's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.