Tigers Sign Ex-Royals Outfielder for Depth After Parker Meadows Injury

Tyler Gentry, a 27-year-old outfielder, joins Detroit's Triple-A affiliate after being released by Kansas City.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:35pm

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The Detroit Tigers have signed outfielder Tyler Gentry to a minor-league contract, assigning him to their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo. Gentry, a 27-year-old who was previously with the Kansas City Royals, will provide depth for the Tigers after they recalled outfielder Wenceel Pérez to replace the injured center fielder Parker Meadows.

Why it matters

The Tigers are looking to bolster their outfield depth as they navigate injuries and roster moves in the early part of the season. Gentry, who has limited MLB experience, will have a chance to prove himself at the Triple-A level and potentially earn a call-up to the big-league club.

The details

Gentry was selected by the Royals in the 2020 draft and made his MLB debut with them in 2024, going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in three games. He spent the 2025 season in Triple-A Omaha, hitting .206 with nine home runs. The Tigers signed him to a minor-league deal just 18 days after the Royals released him at the end of spring training.

  • The Tigers signed Gentry on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Gentry made his MLB debut with the Royals in 2024.

The players

Tyler Gentry

A 27-year-old outfielder who was previously with the Kansas City Royals organization.

Parker Meadows

The Tigers' injured center fielder whose roster spot was filled by the recall of Wenceel Pérez.

Wenceel Pérez

An outfielder recalled by the Tigers to replace the injured Parker Meadows.

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What’s next

The Tigers will monitor Gentry's performance at Triple-A Toledo as they evaluate their outfield depth options.

The takeaway

The Tigers are proactively addressing their outfield depth needs by signing Gentry, a former Royals prospect, to a minor-league deal. This move provides the team with additional options as they navigate early-season injuries and roster moves.