Tigers Designate Jake Rogers For Assignment - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Detroit Tigers designated catcher Jake Rogers for assignment on July 28, 2026, as part of a roster move tied to Javier Báez’s return from the injured list. Báez, a veteran infielder/outfielder, was set to take the roster spot and start that night in center field, with MLB.com’s Jason Beck cited for the lineup detail. Detroit will now use Eduardo Valencia as the backup catcher behind Dillon Dingler.

Rogers, 31, had been among the Tigers’ longest-serving players, debuting in the majors in 2019 and carrying much of the club’s catching workload in 2023 and 2024. His profile has generally been defense-first, though MLB Trade Rumors noted he hit 21 home runs in 2023. Since then, his offensive production has fallen, with the outlet citing a .188/.262/.338 line across 589 plate appearances from 2024 through 2026.

The decision also reflects changing defensive evaluations. Rogers previously received strong marks behind the plate, but MLB Trade Rumors said both Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast rate him below average this season, despite a solid caught-stealing rate. The outlet identified several teams that could be seeking catching help, including the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Rangers and White Sox, making a trade or waiver claim possible.

Valencia, 26, recently reached the majors and has opened 5-for-12 with two home runs in a small sample. Before his promotion, MLB Trade Rumors said he hit .262/.347/.479 with 17 homers at Triple-A Toledo. The roster move matters for Detroit’s catching depth and could also have luxury-tax implications if the Tigers are able to move the remainder of Rogers’ salary.