Detroit Tigers Sign Veteran Infielder Kevin Newman to Triple-A Toledo

The Detroit Tigers have signed veteran infielder Kevin Newman to a minor league contract and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo, aiming to add infield depth as they push toward the postseason. Newman, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015, has eight years of MLB experience and has played for multiple teams, including the Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels. Despite struggling offensively this season with the Angels, batting .202 with a .481 OPS over 56 games, Newman offers defensive versatility across the infield and a track record of contact hitting, with his best season coming in 2019 when he hit .308 with 12 home runs. The Tigers, who lead their division and have a young roster with limited postseason experience, could benefit from Newman's veteran presence and defensive reliability, especially given their need for more consistent shortstop play. Newman’s signing comes after his release from the Angels in early August, and he is expected to provide depth and mentorship as the Tigers prepare for a playoff run. While not a guaranteed major league roster spot, his versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to the Tigers' system.