Detroit Tigers Will Shake Up 2027 Athletic Staff
The Detroit Tigers announced that several athletic trainers and coaching staff will not return for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Baseball
The Detroit Tigers will not renew the contracts of several key personnel, including head athletic trainer Ryne Eubanks and assistant athletic trainer Chris McDonald, for the 2027 season. These staffing changes arrive alongside the return of Jay Sartori as vice president of baseball operations.
Why it matters
The organization is restructuring its support staff following recent seasons, notably moving on from training professionals who previously earned league-wide recognition. This turnover marks a shift in the team's operational composition ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Departing head trainer Ryne Eubanks concludes a four-season tenure, while Chris McDonald leaves after 26 seasons with the organization, including seven on the big-league staff. The athletic training department previously earned the 2024 Major League Athletic Training Staff of the Year award.
The players
Ryne Eubanks
He served as the head athletic trainer for the Detroit Tigers for four seasons.
Chris McDonald
He completed 26 total seasons with the Tigers organization, spending the final seven years on the big-league staff.
Jay Sartori
He has been rehired by the organization to serve as the vice president of baseball operations.
Kelly Rhoades
She is an assistant athletic trainer who will remain with the organization for the upcoming season.
Juan Nieves
He served as the assistant pitching coach for the organization.
The details
Coaching staff departures include pitching coordinator Casey Day, who left for the University of Iowa in July 2026, alongside assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves and first base coach Anthony Sanders. Additionally, Peter Bransfield, Arnie Beyeler, and Aaron Lewis will not return to the Detroit organization for the 2027 season.
Timeline
Chris McDonald first joined the Tigers organization in 2001.
Casey Day left the organization for the University of Iowa in July 2026.
Staff departures were reported on October 9, 2026.
The affected staff members will not be with the Tigers in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The organizational changes follow the recognition of the 2024 Major League Athletic Training Staff of the Year award winners. This transition reflects a broader pivot in the club's staffing strategy as management resets the coaching and training foundation for 2027.
The departure of key training staff creates a new look for the dugout and medical room as the team prepares for the 2027 season. Fans and stakeholders should note that the organizational structure is undergoing significant administrative shifts alongside the return of Jay Sartori.
The takeaway
Maintaining continuity in training and coaching staff is often critical for long-term player health and performance. The Tigers move signals a deliberate shift in strategy as the club aims to build a new culture under returning leadership.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and team updates, visit Baseball.
