The Detroit Tigers have re-signed left-handed pitcher Bryan Sammons, a move that brings the veteran known as "Big Tuna" back to the club. After a season with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, Sammons is set to join the Tigers' minor league system with an invitation to MLB spring training. This signing, valued at $1.25 million if he reaches the major league roster, signals a renewed opportunity for Sammons to prove his worth in American baseball after a year abroad. His return adds depth and experience to the Tigers' pitching staff, particularly with his distinctive pitching style and international experience. The team plans to evaluate his potential for a Triple-A starting role or a spot in the MLB bullpen, highlighting the competitive environment Sammons will face.
Sammons' Journey Back to the Tigers: A Detailed Look
In a significant development for the Detroit Tigers, left-handed pitcher Bryan Sammons, affectionately known as "Big Tuna," has officially rejoined the organization. The signing, which occurred on Monday, January 12, grants Sammons a minor league contract along with a coveted non-roster invitation to MLB spring training. Should Sammons earn a spot on the major league roster, his contract is stipulated at $1.25 million, reflecting the team's belief in his potential impact.
This marks Sammons' second tenure with the Detroit Tigers. Prior to his return, the 30-year-old southpaw spent the 2025 season showcasing his talents with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. During his time overseas, Sammons posted a respectable 3.43 ERA, accumulating 100 strikeouts against 48 walks over 120⅔ innings pitched across 24 games. His international experience is expected to bring a refined edge to his game.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Sammons boasts a diverse pitching arsenal. His primary weapon is a fastball, averaging 91.5 mph, characterized by its rising action that effectively limits contact and generates swings and misses. Complementing his heater, Sammons also features a changeup, a sweeper, a cutter, and a curveball, offering a wide range of options to keep hitters off balance.
Sammons made his Major League Baseball debut with the Tigers in July 2024. During that season, he recorded a 3.62 ERA, with 18 strikeouts and nine walks over 27⅓ innings pitched in six relief appearances. Although his debut outing saw him surrender five runs over 7⅓ innings in an 8-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on July 29, 2024, where he gave up home runs to Josh Naylor and José Ramírez, Sammons quickly rebounded. In his subsequent five appearances, he allowed only six runs over 20 innings, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Following the 2024 season, Sammons opted for free agency in November of that year before signing a one-year deal with the Chiba Lotte Marines. In Japan, he was teammates with several former MLB players, including Gregory Polanco, Neftali Soto, Austin Voth, Tayron Guerrero, and Hirokazu Sawamura.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Tigers are planning to increase Sammons' workload during spring training, with an eye towards him potentially serving as a starter for the Triple-A Toledo affiliate. Concurrently, he will vie for a spot in the MLB bullpen. The competition for bullpen roles is expected to be intense, with Sammons joining four other left-handers—Tyler Holton, Brant Hurter, Bailey Horn, and Drew Sommers—all vying for two or three available spots. Holton and Hurter currently hold a slight edge in the pecking order, underscoring the challenge Sammons faces to secure his position.
Sammons' journey through professional baseball has been one of perseverance. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the eighth round (226th overall) in 2017 out of Western Carolina for a mere $10,000, he contemplated retirement after struggling at the Triple-A level. However, he revitalized his career with the Gastonia Honey Hunters in the independent Atlantic League in 2023, which ultimately led to his initial signing with the Tigers in June 2023. Pitchers and catchers are slated to report for spring training on February 11 in Lakeland, Florida, where Sammons will begin his quest to make a lasting impact.
Bryan Sammons' return to the Detroit Tigers is more than just a signing; it's a testament to resilience and the pursuit of a dream. His journey from contemplating retirement to playing internationally and now back to an MLB organization offers a compelling narrative for aspiring athletes. It highlights the importance of adapting, continually honing one's craft, and seizing every opportunity to prove one's capability. For the Tigers, Sammons represents a strategic acquisition, a seasoned arm with unique qualities that could significantly bolster their pitching corps. His experience in Japan could also bring fresh perspectives and a competitive edge to the team, making him a valuable asset in both the minor and major league systems. This story underscores that in professional sports, dedication and a relentless spirit can open doors to second chances and new beginnings.