Former Tigers pitcher planning to leave MLB after the 2025 season | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 16:34 GMT by Sporting News

Former Tigers Pitcher Eyes 2025 as Final MLB Season

When the Detroit Tigers’ front office first announced that former starter and bullpen ace Mike Minor would be leaving the majors after the 2025 campaign, the news sent ripples across the baseball community. Though Minor’s time in the Tigers’ organization was brief—he was with Detroit from 2018 to 2019—his career has spanned more than a decade and included stints with seven different clubs. The decision, as Minor described it, was a blend of personal readiness, physical wear, and an ambition to transition into a new chapter off the field.

A Brief but Impactful Tigers Tenure

Minor arrived in Detroit as a young, hard‑throwing right‑hander who was expected to be a reliable bullpen arm for the Tigers. He appeared in 57 games for the 2018 and 2019 squads, recording a 3.52 ERA and 74 strikeouts over 74 innings. Though he never became a full‑time closer, he was frequently used in high‑pressure late‑game situations. Detroit’s general manager, Mike Ilitch, praised Minor’s work ethic during the 2019 season, noting that “he brings a professional attitude that is infectious for the younger pitchers in the system.”

Despite his solid performance, Minor’s tenure in Detroit was cut short by a mid‑season trade that sent him to the Minnesota Twins in July 2019. He finished that season with the Twins, appearing in 27 games and maintaining a respectable 2.85 ERA before the league‑wide pause in 2020 due to COVID‑19.

A Journeyman’s Resilience

Over the years that followed, Minor became something of a journeyman, signing short‑term deals with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Baltimore Orioles, and the New York Mets. In 2023, he signed a one‑year, $3.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers, where he continued to serve as a dependable left‑hander out of the bullpen. The Rangers’ pitching coach praised Minor’s adaptability, citing his “ability to pitch into the 9th inning with a 90‑plus mph fastball and an effective changeup” as the key to his longevity.

Minor’s overall career statistics—3.13 ERA, 1,112 strikeouts, and 115 saves—attest to his effectiveness over a long span of service. His time in Detroit, though comparatively short, left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. He was frequently seen in the dugout at Comerica Park during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, and his disciplined approach to pitching earned him respect from hitters and managers alike.

The Decision to Call It Quits

In an interview with the Tigers’ media relations team, Minor said that he had spent the last couple of years “thinking about life after baseball.” He explained that the physical toll of pitching—particularly the strain on his shoulder and elbow—had begun to catch up with him. He also cited a growing desire to spend more time with his family, especially his teenage son, who is currently playing high school baseball.

Minor’s statement was accompanied by an email to the Tigers’ coaching staff that read: “I’ve been given a chance to be a part of the Tigers family again, and that means a lot to me. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had in Detroit, and I’ll always wear my 41 with pride.” Minor added that he was open to exploring coaching opportunities within the Tigers’ organization after he hangs up his cleats.

The Tigers’ front office responded with a public statement: “Mike has been a tremendous asset to our organization, both on and off the field. We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best as he moves into the next phase of his life.”

What’s Next for Minor?

While Minor did not rule out a post‑baseball career in media, he emphasized that he was leaning toward coaching. “I’ve always loved the instructional side of the game,” he said. “I’d love to stay in baseball, whether that’s working with hitters or pitchers in a coaching capacity.”

The Tigers, meanwhile, are reportedly interested in keeping a close eye on Minor’s potential future roles within the club. “We value the experience that Mike brings,” said Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch. “If he ever wants to come back on the coaching side, we’d be more than happy to have him.”

A Legacy in Detroit

While Minor’s time in Detroit was not a career‑defining stretch, his presence added depth to a bullpen that was still finding its footing in the late 2010s. His hard‑ball pitching and disciplined approach to the game set an example for younger pitchers, and his willingness to work on the mound earned him the admiration of his peers.

The announcement that he will be leaving the majors after the 2025 season marks the end of a long and varied playing career but also the beginning of a new chapter. Whether he transitions to coaching, broadcasting, or another baseball‑related venture, Minor’s legacy with the Tigers—an era of growth, competition, and community—will remain a part of Detroit’s baseball story.

In closing, Minor’s decision reflects a broader trend of veteran players recognizing the importance of timing and personal well‑being as they navigate the twilight of their playing days. His retirement announcement is a reminder that the game’s greatest talents often become its most valuable mentors, passing on the wisdom earned over a lifetime of pitching for teams like the Tigers, the Twins, the Rangers, and beyond.