Tigers Re-Sign Wilmer Flores and Eddys Leonard to Minor League Deals

The Detroit Tigers have made strategic moves to bolster their roster by re-signing right-hander Wilmer Flores and infielder/outfielder Eddys Leonard to minor league deals. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Flores is set to earn $1MM if he makes it to the majors, while Leonard would receive the league minimum of $760K.

Both Flores and Leonard were previously part of the Tigers' 40-man roster but have yet to make their major league debuts. Their paths have been marred by injuries, leading to their non-tendering last month. This decision sent them into free agency without being exposed to waivers, but they have now returned to the Tigers in a non-roster capacity.

Wilmer Flores, who should not be confused with his older brother of the same name, is a right-handed pitcher who will turn 24 in February. He made a strong impression as a starting pitcher while climbing the minor league ranks, which earned him a spot on the 40-man roster to shield him from the Rule 5 draft. Despite his promising performance early on, his velocity dropped towards the end of the 2023 season, resulting in struggles.

In 2024, Flores transitioned to a primary relief role but faced challenges. He was sidelined for over three months due to a shoulder injury and had a rough stint when he was active. Over 25 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Flores posted an 8.53 ERA, with an 18% strikeout rate and an alarming 18.8% walk rate.

Eddys Leonard, formerly a Dodgers prospect, joined the Tigers after being designated for assignment in 2023 and subsequently traded for cash. Injuries plagued Leonard's season, with a left oblique strain and a right hamstring strain limiting his play. He participated in just 67 Triple-A games, hitting .263/.326/.455, which equated to a 101 wRC+. He has now exhausted his final option year.

​By bringing back Flores and Leonard, the Tigers aim to leverage their potential and provide depth to their roster. Both players will look to rebound from their injury-ridden seasons and make an impact in the upcoming year.