Detroit Tigers’ Matt Vierling explains why he drives 2012 Ford Escape
Detroit Tigers player Matt Vierling reveals on the “Days of Roar” podcast that he drives a 2012 Ford Escape — and why he won’t buy a new car.
The Detroit Tigers are keeping Matt Vierling.
Vierling avoided arbitration with the Tigers on Friday, Nov. 21, by signing a $3.255 million contract for the 2026 season. A pair of injuries limited the 29-year-old outfielder/third baseman to just 31 games in 2025.
He was set to enter his second round of salary arbitration, as he remains under team control through the 2027 season. Players between three and six years of MLB service time are eligible for arbitration in the offseason.
Vierling earned $3.005 million in 2025, meaning he will receive a $250,000 raise in 2026. His new salary is fully guaranteed.
In 2025, Vierling hit .239 with one home run, seven walks and 24 strikeouts in 31 games.
Vierling had three stints on the injured list in 2025: right shoulder strain in late February, right shoulder inflammation in late May and left oblique strain in mid-August.
He appeared in 144 games for the Tigers in 2024.
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The Tigers acquired Vierling from the Philadelphia Phillies (with infielder Nick Maton and catcher Donny Sands) in January 2023 in exchange for left-handed reliever Gregory Soto and infielder Kody Clemens.
Only Vierling remains in the Tigers’ organization.
From 2023-25, Vierling hit .257 with an .718 OPS in 309 games for the Tigers.
His offense was above average in 2024 but below average in both 2023 and 2025, while his defense has graded average at all three outfield positions but below average at third base.
Entering 2026, Vierling could emerge as the Tigers’ everyday right fielder. Two outfield spots are locked in with Parker Meadows in center and Riley Greene in left, leaving right open for Vierling to compete with Wenceel Pérez, assuming Kerry Carpenter remains the primary designated hitter.
When healthy, Vierling has proven to be a positive contributor for the Tigers.
The Tigers avoided arbitration with two other arbitration-eligible players on pre-tender deals: catcher Jake Rogers for $3.05 million and right-handed reliever Beau Brieske for $1.1575 million.
The other eight arbitration-eligible players with tendered contracts have until Jan. 8 to negotiate salaries with the Tigers, just like Vierling, Rogers and Brieske already did. If the two sides can’t agree, an arbitration hearing will be scheduled.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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