Two Detroit Tigers Players Set to Leave the Club for Good
A Sudden Shakeup in the Motor City
DETROIT, MI — In what marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the Detroit Tigers’ roster, two well-known players — Akil Baddoo and José Cisnero — are officially parting ways with the organization, sources confirmed late Tuesday.
The Tigers, who are currently in the midst of a rebuild and navigating the competitive waters of the American League Central, made the decision as part of a broader organizational strategy to create room for younger talent and reshape their long-term outlook.
According to team insiders and league sources, both departures were expected internally, but the news has still come as a surprise to fans who had grown familiar with the two players’ contributions on and off the field.
“These kinds of moves are never easy, especially when you’re talking about players who have made a strong impression in Detroit,” said one club official who requested anonymity. “But this is about the future and where we’re headed as an organization.”
Akil Baddoo, an electrifying outfielder who burst onto the scene during the 2021 season, had been a fan favorite for his energy, bat speed, and aggressive base running. After a standout rookie campaign, Baddoo’s performance saw peaks and valleys over the following seasons. Though he remained a fixture in the clubhouse, injuries and inconsistent production eventually slowed his momentum.
“Akil brought excitement and passion to this team at a time when we desperately needed it,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch during a post-game media session. “We’ll always be grateful for the spark he gave us. He has a bright future ahead, wherever he goes.”
The End of an Era for Cisnero
On the pitching side, José Cisnero, one of the longest-tenured bullpen arms on the team, will also be moving on. Cisnero first joined the Tigers in 2019 and quickly became one of their most reliable relievers. Over multiple seasons, he served as a steady presence in the late innings, often bridging the gap between starters and the closer.
Despite his durability and veteran leadership, the Tigers front office has been preparing for a new bullpen look. Younger pitchers like Mason Englert and Alex Faedo are being positioned for larger roles, which made Cisnero’s departure an eventuality.
“José has been a true professional. He came in every day ready to compete and helped mentor a lot of our young guys,” said pitching coach Chris Fetter. “That’s not something you can replace easily.”
Cisnero is reportedly drawing interest from a number of contending teams looking to bolster their bullpen depth for the second half of the season. While no official signing has been announced, several NL teams are rumored to be in conversations with his representatives.
For fans, the move marks the end of an era. Cisnero and Baddoo were not just players — they were symbols of resilience and potential during a challenging stretch for the franchise.
What’s Next for the Tigers?
The departure of Baddoo and Cisnero underscores a larger strategy at play. General Manager Scott Harris, now in his third season at the helm, has consistently emphasized long-term development, drafting high-ceiling prospects and investing in player development.
The team is expected to call up two players from Triple-A Toledo in the coming days, potentially opening the door for outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy and reliever Ty Madden to see extended time at the major league level.
While these changes may be tough for the clubhouse and fans alike, the front office remains confident.
“This is about giving our younger players the opportunity to prove themselves and shaping a team that can contend in the coming years,” said Harris in a brief statement. “Both Akil and José gave everything to this team, and we wish them nothing but success in the next chapters of their careers.”
As the Tigers look to turn the page, fans can expect more moves on the horizon — but for now, they say farewell to two players who left their mark on Comerica Park.
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