The Detroit Tigers had several valuable contributors last season who helped the club make another run to the MLB playoffs.
One of the most underrated was catcher Dillon Dingler, who just completed his second year in Detroit. The 27-year-old emerged as one of manager A.J. Hinch’s most reliable weapons, making an impact both defensively and at the plate.
Advertisement
Dingler captured his first Gold Glove Award after playing outstanding defense, with Statcast’s Baseball Savant crediting him with a Fielding Run Value of 12.
He also took a significant step forward offensively, posting a .278 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .752 OPS, 13 home runs and 57 RBIs across 126 games.
Those numbers are impressive given the demands of his workload behind the plate, underscoring his importance to Detroit’s success.
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
As Dingler enters the offseason with his role secured as the Tigers’ primary catcher, he took the time on Monday to share a personal life update.
Advertisement
In a collaborative post with his wife Alyssa, the couple announced the arrival of their first child, along with a series of photos introducing their newborn son, Francis Charles Dingler.
The announcement quickly drew warm congratulations from teammates, fans and members of the Tigers organization.
The photos captured the couple’s joy, with Alyssa and Dillon both holding Francis in the hospital, marking a milestone moment away from the diamond.
Looking ahead to the 2026 MLB season, Dingler is expected to remain an essential piece for Detroit as both a defensive anchor and a developing bat.
Advertisement
His Gold Glove defense has already established him as one of the league’s premier catchers, and the Tigers believe his offensive growth can continue after last season’s step forward.
With his ability to control the running game and guide a young pitching staff, Dingler’s presence behind the plate is viewed as essential to the team’s playoff ambitions.
It also speaks volumes that he has spent his entire professional career in the Tigers organization, having been drafted in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft. That continuity has allowed him to grow with the franchise, and now, entering his prime years, he represents both stability and upside.
Advertisement
Related: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Sends Message Amid MLB Offseason
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.