Tigers Catcher Tomás Nido Provides Veteran Presence

Nido, the only Tigers catcher who has caught Justin Verlander, is a trusted safety net for the team's young catchers.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Tomás Nido, a 32-year-old catcher for the Detroit Tigers, may not be part of the team's long-term plans, but he is providing valuable experience and mentorship to the organization's young catching prospects. Nido is the only Tigers catcher in camp who has previously caught future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, and he is helping the team's three young catchers - Eduardo Valencia, Thayron Liranzo, and Josue Briceño - prepare for the season.

Why it matters

Nido's veteran presence and experience catching a pitcher of Verlander's caliber is important for the Tigers as they develop their next generation of catchers. While Nido may not be the long-term solution, his ability to support the team's young talent and provide a reliable safety net is valuable for the organization.

The details

Nido spent six weeks with the Tigers last season as Dillon Dingler's backup while Jake Rogers was injured, hitting .343 in 35 at-bats. He re-signed with the Tigers almost immediately after becoming a free agent, citing the team's honesty and the way they treated him and his family. Nido is bilingual, which is an asset in working with the team's young, predominantly Spanish-speaking catchers.

  • Nido turned 32 years old in April 2026.
  • Nido previously caught Justin Verlander in 2023 when Verlander signed with the New York Mets.

The players

Tomás Nido

A 32-year-old catcher for the Detroit Tigers who is the only Tigers catcher in camp to have previously caught Justin Verlander.

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who signed a two-year, $86.7 million contract with the New York Mets in 2023 and is now in Tigers camp.

Dillon Dingler

One of the Tigers' top catching prospects who Nido backed up for part of the 2025 season.

Jake Rogers

A Tigers catcher who was on the injured list in 2025, leading to Nido's time as Dingler's backup.

Eduardo Valencia

One of the young catching prospects in Tigers camp that Nido is helping mentor.

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What they’re saying

“He brings a lot to any team with his knowledge, preparation and experience. I'm sure all the guys here are excited to be able to pick his brain and see how he operates and the way he prepares for a game. There's a reason why he's made the kind of money he's made. He's a legendary pitcher in this game and I think it's a slam dunk Hall of Famer. That speaks for itself.”

— Tomás Nido (mlive.com)

“They have a bright future ahead of them. They have massive potential, and you see why they're top prospects. I enjoy helping out the young guys in whatever they need, and they know they can always come talk to me. The Tigers' catching is in a good spot.”

— Tomás Nido (mlive.com)

What’s next

If Dillon Dingler and Jake Rogers stay healthy, Nido likely won't make the Tigers' opening day roster, but he will remain a trusted veteran presence and safety net for the team's young catchers.

The takeaway

Tomás Nido's veteran experience and mentorship of the Tigers' young catching prospects, as well as his prior experience catching a future Hall of Famer in Justin Verlander, make him a valuable asset for the organization even if he is not part of their long-term plans.