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Outfielder Slater Leaves Tigers Contract
Austin Slater exercises release clause in minor league deal with Detroit
Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:49pm
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Outfielder Austin Slater has exercised the release clause in the minor league contract he had signed with the Detroit Tigers. Slater's contract enabled him to get released if he wasn't going to make Detroit's major league roster out of spring training.
Why it matters
Slater's decision to leave the Tigers organization highlights the challenges minor league players face in trying to break into the majors, especially with established teams that have depth in the outfield.
The details
Slater, 28, signed a minor league deal with the Tigers over the offseason with an opt-out clause that allowed him to become a free agent if he didn't make the major league roster. After a strong spring training performance, Slater determined he would not crack the Tigers' crowded outfield and decided to exercise his release.
- Slater signed the minor league contract with the Tigers over the offseason.
- Slater exercised the release clause in his contract on March 21, 2026.
The players
Austin Slater
A 28-year-old outfielder who signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers over the offseason.
Detroit Tigers
The Major League Baseball team that Austin Slater had signed a minor league contract with.
What’s next
Slater will now become a free agent and look to sign with another organization where he has a better chance of making the major league roster.
The takeaway
Slater's decision to exercise his release clause highlights the difficult path minor league players face in trying to break into the majors, especially with established teams that have depth at their position.
