Tigers Trade Alex Faedo to Rays for Catcher Delgado, Cash

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Tigers have traded right-handed pitcher Alex Faedo to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for 20-year-old catcher Josefa Delgado and cash considerations, sources confirmed Tuesday. The move comes after Faedo was designated for assignment last week to make room on the Tigers’ 40-man roster for newly signed reliever Tommy Kahnle.

Faedo, 29, was set to hit waivers if the Rays had not acquired him via trade. The former first-round pick, selected 18th overall by the Tigers in the 2017 MLB Draft, posted a 3.61 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 28 walks across 57⅓ innings in 37 games during the 2024 season. Over his three-year MLB career, Faedo has a 4.51 ERA in 175⅔ innings pitched, including 30 starts.

Delgado, a switch-hitting catcher, spent the 2024 season with Low-A Charleston, batting .255 with four home runs, 28 walks, and 54 strikeouts in 56 games. During the offseason, he played for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League, hitting .204 with two home runs, 11 walks, and 28 strikeouts in 31 games.

Defensively, Delgado is considered an average catcher with above-average leadership skills in managing pitching staffs. While he has experience at first base, scouts project him to remain behind the plate. Delgado was not ranked among the Rays’ top 30 prospects prior to the trade but could climb the Tigers’ farm system rankings with developmental progress in 2025.

“Delgado is a fringe prospect with potential,” said one MLB scout familiar with the trade. “His ability to handle pitchers and improve his offensive output will determine his future in the organization.”

The Tigers’ decision to trade Faedo reflects their focus on bolstering their bullpen and acquiring young talent. Meanwhile, the Rays add a veteran arm to their pitching depth as they continue their push for postseason contention.