Tigers trade outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy to the Rays

Justyn-Henry Malloy (Instagram)

The Detroit Tigers have traded outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy off New York, New York to the Tampa Bay Rays according to the Associated Press on Tuesday. Malloy played the last two seasons with the Tigers. In return, the Tigers received cash considerations.

It appeared Malloy’s time in Detroit was coming to an end. That is because he was designated for assignment when the Tigers decided to bring back closer Kyle Finnegan of Detroit, Michigan on December 20.

Finnegan signed a two-year deal worth $19 million. He was a National League All-Star with the Washington Nationals in 2024 and had an excellent earned run average of 1.50 with the Tigers in 2025 after he was traded from the Nationals to Detroit on July 31. The fact that Finnegan was born in Detroit, brought significant local appeal.

In 2025, Malloy batted ,221 with one home run and 17 runs batted in. During 52 games, 104 at bats and 127 plate appearances, he scored 15 runs and had 23 hits, six doubles, 20 walks, 32 total bases, two sacrifice flies, an on base percentage of .346 and a slugging percentage of .308.

Malloy’s home run came in a 6-0 Tigers win over the San Diego Padres on April 23. Malloy’s dinger was a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth inning, and put the Tigers up 20-0 at the time. Malloy’s sacrifice flies also came in Tigers’ wins. The first came on April 5 in a 7-2 Tigers win over the Chicago White Sox and the second came on April 12 in a 4-0 Tigers win over the Minnesota Twins.

One reason why the Tigers are possibly moving on from Malloy was because of his drop off when its came to power. Malloy had eight home runs the previous season.

Malloy is one of three notable players who the Rays acquired in the offseason via trades. The other two are relief pitchers Steven Wilson of Littleton, Colorado and Luis Guerrero of Bani, Dominican Republic.