The Detroit Tigers made another roster move on Wednesday, and this one involves right-handed pitcher Mason Englert. The Tigers have shipped Englert to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for left-handed reliever prospect Drew Sommers.
A Fresh Start for Englert
If you’ve been following the team closely, you might remember Englert was picked up in the 2022 Rule 5 draft, and despite showing some promise, he never quite carved out a consistent spot on the roster. Last week, he was designated for assignment to make room for Jack Flaherty, and the writing was on the wall: if no one took a shot on him, Englert would’ve hit waivers. Lucky for him, the Rays saw enough potential to add him to their 40-man roster.
Drew Sommers By the Numbers:
- Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft
- 6-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 41 games with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (South Atlantic A+ League) in 2024
- 65 strikeouts and 20 walks in 54 innings pitched in 2024
Bottom Line
While it’s always tough to see a player leave, this trade does give the Tigers an intriguing new pitching prospect in Sommers, who could play a role in the bullpen down the road. For Englert, it’s a fresh start in Tampa Bay, where he’ll look to make the most of this opportunity.
