Detroit Tigers' Chris Paddack Scores Surprise Deal with Marlins

Veteran starter signs one-year contract with Miami, aiming to rebound after tough stint in Detroit

Feb. 10, 2026 at 5:47am

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Chris Paddack, the 30-year-old starting pitcher who struggled during a brief stint with the Detroit Tigers last year, has signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Marlins. The deal represents a return to the organization that originally drafted Paddack, as he looks to rebuild his career after injuries and setbacks.

Why it matters

Paddack's signing illustrates the Marlins' willingness to invest in experienced pitching depth as they aim to strengthen their roster, while the Tigers continue to shape their future through prospects and strategic moves. Observers will watch closely to see if Paddack can regain his early-career form in Miami.

The details

At age 30, Paddack's recent MLB journey includes a midseason trade from the Minnesota Twins to the Tigers last year, where he struggled through multiple poor outings and was eventually removed from the rotation. Despite a promising rookie season in 2019 with the San Diego Padres, injuries have hampered his progress over the years, including undergoing two Tommy John surgeries. During his 2025 campaign with the Twins, Paddack recorded a 4.95 ERA and a 4.39 FIP across 111 innings in 21 starts. Paddack's performance with the Tigers was below expectations, as he finished with a 2-3 record and a 6.32 ERA through 47 innings, failing to appear in postseason play.

  • In 2015, the Marlins initially drafted Paddack out of high school in the eighth round.
  • In 2016, the Marlins traded Paddack to the San Diego Padres.
  • In 2025, the Detroit Tigers acquired Paddack in a midseason trade from the Minnesota Twins.
  • In 2026, Paddack has signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Marlins.

The players

Chris Paddack

A 30-year-old starting pitcher who has had a challenging MLB journey, including a brief and unsuccessful stint with the Detroit Tigers last year.

Miami Marlins

The MLB team that has signed Paddack to a one-year, $4 million contract, representing a return to the organization that originally drafted him.

Detroit Tigers

The MLB team that acquired Paddack in a midseason trade from the Minnesota Twins last year, where he struggled and failed to make the postseason roster.

Minnesota Twins

The MLB team that traded Paddack to the Detroit Tigers in a midseason deal last year.

San Diego Padres

The MLB team that Paddack was originally traded to by the Miami Marlins in 2016, where he had a promising rookie season in 2019.

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What’s next

Observers will watch closely to see if Paddack can regain his early-career form in Miami.

The takeaway

This signing illustrates the Marlins' willingness to invest in experienced pitching depth as they aim to strengthen their roster, while the Tigers continue to shape their future through prospects and strategic moves.