Detroit Tigers trade DFA'd pitcher to Giants for cash

The Tigers have sent a DFA'd reliever to the Giants in exchange for money.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:15am

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The Detroit Tigers have traded right-handed relief pitcher Dylan Smith to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations. Smith was recently designated for assignment by the Tigers after struggling in spring training.

Why it matters

Trades of players who have been designated for assignment (DFA'd) are common in baseball, as teams look to recoup some value for players they no longer have a use for on their active roster. This move allows the Tigers to clear a roster spot while the Giants take a low-risk flier on a pitcher who may be able to bounce back with a change of scenery.

The details

The Tigers DFA'd Smith earlier this month after he posted a 7.11 ERA in 6.1 innings of Grapefruit League action. The 27-year-old righty made 35 appearances for Detroit last season, recording a 4.91 ERA. In exchange for Smith, the Tigers will receive an undisclosed amount of cash considerations from the Giants.

  • The Tigers DFA'd Smith earlier this month.
  • The trade was completed on March 31, 2026.

The players

Dylan Smith

A 27-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who was recently designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit Tigers

The Major League Baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan.

San Francisco Giants

The Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California.

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What’s next

The Giants will add Smith to their 40-man roster and give him an opportunity to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training next year.

The takeaway

This trade represents a low-risk move for the Giants, who are hoping to uncover potential value in a pitcher the Tigers no longer had use for. For the Tigers, it clears a roster spot while bringing in a small amount of cash considerations.