TRADE: Tigers Acquire Outfielder From Brewers


The Detroit Tigers have acquired outfielder Brewer Hicklen from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations, the club announced Friday. 

The 29-year-old was designated for assignment by Milwaukee on Thursday as they finalized their Opening Day roster. To make room for Hicklen on the 40-man roster, the Tigers transferred right-hander Ty Madden—sidelined with a rotator cuff strain—to the 60-day injured list. 

Hicklen has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo, where he'll begin the season with the Mud Hens.

Hicklen brings speed and power to the organization, despite limited major league experience. He went hitless in nine career plate appearances with the Kansas City Royals and Brewers, but his minor league production is more encouraging. 

Over the past four seasons, he’s batted .244 with a .352 on-base percentage and slugged .469, with 22 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases in Triple-A last year alone. 

“We have acquired OF Brewer Hicklen from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a cash consideration,” the Tigers said in a team statement. “Hicklen has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo.”

The Tigers’ outfield depth has been tested early, with Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, and Matt Vierling all opening the season on the injured list. 

That left Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter as the only healthy regulars, prompting Detroit to sign veteran Manuel Margot and recall Ryan Kreidler for added flexibility. 

Hicklen, bringing athleticism and aggressive baserunning, offers another layer of depth and could serve as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement if needed later this season.

Photo Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images