Tigers Released Two Coaching Staff Members
The Detroit Tigers have moved on from first base coach Anthony Sanders and assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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The Detroit Tigers organization released first base coach Anthony Sanders and assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves following the conclusion of the 2026 season. These personnel changes arrive after the team previously released third-base coach Joey Cora earlier in the season.
Why it matters
The changes to the coaching staff signal an organizational shift following the team's performance throughout the year. The moves reflect a broader reevaluation of the coaching structure as the franchise looks toward future seasons.
The Detroit Tigers recorded 58 stolen bases throughout the 2026 season while being caught stealing 23 times. For comparison, the Houston Astros recorded 50 stolen bases during the same campaign.
The players
Anthony Sanders
He is a former professional baseball coach who served as the first base coach for the Detroit Tigers during the 2026 season.
Juan Nieves
He is a veteran baseball coach who had served as an assistant pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers since joining the organization in 2021.
Joey Cora
He served as the Detroit Tigers third-base and infield-defense coach for two and a half seasons before his mid-season release.
Detroit Tigers
This is a professional Major League Baseball team based in Detroit that competes in the American League Central division.
The details
Anthony Sanders completed a single season as the team's first base coach, while Juan Nieves had been with the MLB staff since 2021. The team is now restructuring its support staff after also parting ways with third-base and infield-defense coach Joey Cora earlier this season.
Timeline
Juan Nieves joined the Detroit Tigers MLB staff in 2021.
Anthony Sanders served as the first base coach during the 2026 season.
The Detroit Tigers released Sanders and Nieves on September 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The recent coaching dismissals follow a pattern set by the 2026 MLB mid-season release of Joey Cora. These staff changes suggest a complete reevaluation of the coaching staff as the Tigers look to recalibrate their competitive balance.
Fans should note that the vacancy at first base and assistant pitching coach roles will likely lead to staff additions during the offseason. The organizational restructuring follows a season where the team produced 58 stolen bases against 23 caught-stealing instances.
The takeaway
Staff changes often indicate an organization's focus on refining specific tactical areas like base running and pitching development. The Tigers will likely prioritize these needs as they build their coaching roster for the upcoming season.
Further reading
For more on roster and staff changes, explore the latest Baseball news.
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Should a professional sports team replace its coaching staff after a season of poor performance?
