Keider Montero to start for Detroit Tigers in Grapefruit League opener

The 25-year-old right-hander will take the mound for the Tigers' first spring training game on February 21.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Tigers have named Keider Montero as their starting pitcher for the team's Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees on February 21. Montero, a 25-year-old right-hander, posted a 4.37 ERA with 31 walks and 72 strikeouts across 90⅔ innings in 20 games (12 starts) for the Tigers in 2025.

Why it matters

Montero's performance in spring training will be crucial as he prepares for the upcoming season and his participation in the World Baseball Classic with Team Venezuela. The Tigers have several strong starting pitching options in camp, so Montero will need to impress to secure a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

The details

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the team will prepare Montero to get ready for both the MLB season and the World Baseball Classic. The Tigers have 10 starting pitchers in camp, including Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Justin Verlander, who are expected to make up the Opening Day rotation barring any injuries.

  • Montero will start the Tigers' Grapefruit League opener on February 21 against the New York Yankees.
  • The World Baseball Classic runs from March 5-17, which Montero will participate in with Team Venezuela.

The players

Keider Montero

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who posted a 4.37 ERA with 31 walks and 72 strikeouts across 90⅔ innings in 20 games (12 starts) for the team in 2025.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who announced that Montero will start the team's Grapefruit League opener and prepare for both the MLB season and the World Baseball Classic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to prepare Keider so he can get ready for journey, both with us and with Team Venezuela.”

— A.J. Hinch, Manager (freep.com)

What’s next

The Tigers still haven't named a starter for their first home game of spring training on February 22 against the Baltimore Orioles.

The takeaway

Montero's performance in the Grapefruit League opener will be closely watched as he looks to secure a spot in the Tigers' starting rotation and prepare for his participation in the World Baseball Classic with Team Venezuela.