After destroying the Minnesota Twins 11-0 on Thursday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers claimed outfielder James Outman off waivers from the Twins, the team announced. Minnesota had designated Outman for assignment on Saturday to make room for infielder Royce Lewis on its 26-man roster.
Since Outman is out of minor-league options, the Tigers will have to make room for him on their 26-man roster. Detroit cleared space for him on its 40-man by moving utilityman Javier Báez to the 60-day injured list.
While I wish Outman good luck and hope he bounces back with Detroit (as long as it doesn't negatively impact Minnesota), it's difficult to imagine he will. In 174 plate appearances across 86 games with the Twins after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart, Outman hit .151 with a .526 OPS.
James Outman hit .151 in a total of 174 plate appearances for the Twins.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 6, 2026
Other than pre-DH pitchers, no one in team history has ever had a lower batting average in more appearances for the Twins.
In 2023, Outman finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting as a Dodger after posting 3.9 fWAR and a .248/.353/.437 (117 wRC+) slash line with 23 homers, 70 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
Outman spent much of the last two seasons in Triple-A. In 2024, Outman slashed .147/.256/.265 (53 wRC+) in 156 plate appearances with the Dodgers. Then, he hit .134/.216/.321 (48 wRC+) in 148 plate appearances with the Dodgers and Twins in 2025. This season, he has slashed .156/.229/.250 (33 wRC+) in 70 plate appearances.
It's hard to imagine Outman will turn things around with Detroit
The Tigers are likely about to learn what the Twins already knew about Outman. Minnesota acquired the outfielder with hopes he could return to the 2023 version of himself. Detroit appears to be doing the same.
Outman has value with his speed (27.9 feet per second spring speed) and defense (+1 Defensive Run Saved and +1 Out Above Average in 190 innings). However, his extremely poor offensive numbers have made him worth -0.2 fWAR this year despite only having 70 plate appearances.
With both Parker Meadows and Báez on the injured list, Outman gives Detroit a needed center field option. The Tigers have been using Wenceel Pérez and Matt Vierling in center field for the past six weeks, but neither is a strong defensive center fielder. Outman should improve the Tigers' defense, but unless he turns things around offensively, his bat will hurt the club. Even if the Tigers don't plan to start Outman regularly, manager A.J. Hinch may use him late in games when the team needs a defensive upgrade or a pinch-runner.
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