Two former Detroit Tigers infielders have recently inked minor-league contracts with new teams. Sergio Alcantara has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Brendon Davis has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At 27 years old, Alcantara notably joined the postgame celebrations during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 World Series run, even though he wasn’t on the roster, serving as a potential injury replacement until the final game. Acquired by the Tigers in the J.D. Martinez trade in 2017, Alcantara later returned to Arizona after playing with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. Despite hitting a home run in his debut at-bat, he is primarily recognized for his strong arm and outstanding defensive skills at shortstop.
Davis, aged 26, made his MLB debut with the Tigers in the last week of the 2022 season and returned in 2023 on a minor-league deal due to his versatility across different positions. However, his performance with the Mud Hens was sluggish, with a batting average of just .178 and a 30.1 percent strikeout rate in 156 plate appearances. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2015, Davis was part of the Yu Darvish trade to the Texas Rangers in 2017. After struggling with the Rangers, he was claimed by the Angels in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. The Tigers later claimed him off waivers.
Additionally, right-handed pitcher Zac Houston has signed a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Tigers in 2016, Houston showed promise in 2018 with a 1.18 ERA in 38 innings at Triple-A Toledo, striking out 55 batters. However, injuries and the COVID-affected season halted his development, and he spent the last season in the New York Yankees system.
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