Tigers Veteran Makes Major Career Decision as His Detroit Tenure Comes to an End

Tanner Rainey has elected free agency, ending his brief stint with the Detroit Tigers. Players with six or more years of service time in MLB earn the right to become a free agent. After spending 8 years in the big leagues, Rainey cashed it in.

In 2026, the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen recorded the second-most blown saves in all of MLB. In the offseason, the Tigers’ president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, should focus on rebuilding the bullpen and adding experienced relief depth. However, Harris won’t have one veteran reliever at his disposal, as Tanner Rainey has elected to end his stint with the Tigers.

According to Evan Woodberry of MLive, “Veteran right-handed pitcher Tanner Rainey, who made brief appearances for the Detroit Tigers in each of the last two seasons, has elected free agency.”

Rainey’s tenure with Detroit spanned less than two seasons, marked by limited opportunities and a mid-season DFA.

Rainey joined the Tigers as an experienced relief option after recording stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, his opportunities with the Tigers were limited as he struggled to establish himself as a regular part of the major-league bullpen.

In 2026, Rainey posted a 3.86ERA across 7.0 innings in 6 outings. He allowed 3 earned runs on 3 hits and 8 walks before the Tigers designated him for assignment in August. Rainey also threw four wild pitches and hit a batter during his MLB stint. His big-league outings highlighted Rainey’s struggles with command and control. He recorded a 19.4% strikeout rate this season.

Following his DFA, Rainey cleared the waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. However, the veteran no longer wishes to return to the minors.

The Tigers originally signed Rainey on July 18, 2025, to a minor league contract. He was called up in late 2025 to provide bullpen depth after Charlie Morton was designated for assignment.

But the Tigers designated him for assignment and non-tendered him at the end of last season. But they shortly resigned him to a minor league contract. Rainey joined the Tigers during Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.

Rainey spent most of his time within the Tigers’ organization pitching for Triple-A Toledo. In the last two seasons, he posted a 5-4 record with a 3.40 ERA in 47 2/3 innings, striking out 67 and walking 29.

Notably, Rainey’s best years came with the Washington Nationals, where he excelled as a power reliever. He was a member of their 2019 World Series championship squad. As the Nationals’ closer, Rainey also recorded 12 saves in 2022. But injuries hampered him.

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and struggled to find his footing. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025 and posted a 10.57 ERA in 11 outings before the Tigers signed him for bullpen depth.

Apart from Rainey, another player also elected free agency ahead of the 2027 season. He was a former Tigers infielder as well.
Jeimer Candelario, ex-Tiger, elects free agency
Jeimer Candelario will end a disappointing 2026 season as a minor league free agent.
The infielder started the season as the Los Angeles Angels’ third baseman. He was named to the Halos’ Opening Day roster.
But he went 2-for-18 with eight strikeouts before the Angels designated him for assignment. Then, the team outrighted the player to Triple-A Salt Lake. He spent the rest of his season in the minors. Candelario hit .281 with an .886 OPS, 15 home runs and 19 doubles in 88 games for Salt Lake.
He elected free agency ahead of the upcoming offseason.
In his six years with the Tigers, Candelario posted the best numbers in Detroit. Across parts of 6 seasons, Candelario slashed  .243/.324/.404 with 65 homers, 124 doubles, and 245 RBI in 590 games. He was also the Tigers’ best offensive performer in 2020 and 2021.

With the offseason coming soon, diverse opportunities will await the two veterans

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