The Detroit Tigers are looking to end the month of August on a high note, as we are inching closer to September and the playoffs in October.
The Tigers have positioned themselves to possibly get a top-two seed in the American League and win the AL Central, but it’s not set in stone yet. That being said, Detroit is still making moves to bolster its roster ahead of the playoff push.
Last week, the Tigers called up pitching prospect Drew Sommers from Triple-A Toledo, who they hope becomes a weapon in the bullpen. To make room for Sommers, Detroit parted ways with veteran Ryan Kreider on the 40-man roster on Friday.
Usually, when a player gets DFA’d it takes some time for them to find their next job. However, it didn’t take the 27-year-old Kreidler long as he signed with one of the worst teams in the National League.
The Pirates have claimed utility man Ryan Kreidler off waivers from the Tigers. He’s 27 and has played 2B, SS, 3B, LF and CF. Career .138 hitter with two homers, a double and eight RBIs in 89 big league games.
— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) August 25, 2025
The Pirates’ 40-man roster is now full.
Ex-Tigers Utilityman Ryan Kreidler Joins Pittsburgh Pirates
On Sunday night, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates claimed Kreider off waivers. According to Kreidler’s profile page on MiLB.com, the former Tiger was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Kreider can play across the infield (second base, shortstop, and third base), along with two outfield spots (left and center field), making him a somewhat intriguing addition as the regular season winds down.
The 27-year-old only played in 17 games with the Tigers this season, and overall, 89, over his four-year tenure in the Motor City. Detroit drafted Kreider in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Amateur after he was initially taken in the 35th round by the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
Despite improving his draft stock dramatically, Kreidler hasn’t done much at the major league level, hitting .138 with two home runs and eight RBI. This season with the Tigers, he hit .105 at the plate, which is nothing to write home about.
That said, Kreidler has found much better success in the minor leagues. In 84 games at Triple-A Toledo, the veteran utilityman is slashing .251/.374/.410 with four home runs and 37 RBI.
For his career, Kriedler is actually a solid minor league player, hitting .238 with 53 home runs and 206 RBI. Even though things haven’t worked out in the majors, Kreidler’s ability to play all over the field will help continue to give him opportunities.