Tigers sign MLB pitcher Burch Smith to minor-league deal

The veteran right-hander will compete for a roster spot in spring training.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers have signed free agent pitcher Burch Smith to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Smith, a right-handed pitcher, will look to earn a spot on the Tigers' major league roster during spring training after spending the 2025 season in the minor leagues.

Why it matters

The Tigers are looking to bolster their pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season, and the addition of Smith provides them with an experienced arm to compete for a roster spot. Smith has previous MLB experience, which could give him an advantage over some of the team's younger pitching prospects.

The details

Smith, 31, has spent parts of five seasons in the major leagues with the San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants. He has a career 5.40 ERA in 107.1 innings pitched at the MLB level. In 2025, Smith spent the entire season in the minor leagues, posting a 4.91 ERA across 22 appearances (20 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A.

  • The Tigers signed Smith to the minor-league deal on March 3, 2026.

The players

Burch Smith

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent parts of five seasons in the major leagues with the San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants.

Detroit Tigers

A professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan that competes in the American League of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Burch to our organization and give him an opportunity to compete for a spot on our major league roster this spring.”

— Al Avila, General Manager, Detroit Tigers (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

Smith will report to the Tigers' spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida to compete for a spot on the team's 26-man roster during Grapefruit League play.

The takeaway

The Tigers are looking to add veteran pitching depth to their organization, and the signing of Burch Smith to a minor-league deal provides them with an experienced arm to compete for a roster spot this spring training.