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Tigers' 2026 spring training schedule includes exhibition against Panama

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 15:57 GMT by MLive
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The Full 2026 Spring‑Training Slate

While the bulk of the schedule follows the traditional “all‑American” slate, the Panama game is a special highlight. According to the Tigers’ press release, the Panamanian squad will travel from Panama City to the U.S. and will be in Arizona for a week of exhibition games against the Dodgers, Yankees, and the Tigers themselves. The Tigers will field a lineup that mixes prospects, veterans and a handful of open‑status players, giving scouts and coaches a wide look at talent.

Why Panama?

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and MLB have been partnering to broaden the sport’s reach. The Panamanian team, which last toured the U.S. in 2019, has won gold at the Pan American Games and has a history of strong pitching and disciplined play. In an interview with the Tigers’ general manager, Tom Schmitz, he explained that “hosting a national team provides a different competitive environment that is valuable for player development.” The Tigers also hope the exhibition will attract Hispanic fans in the Detroit‑area market and help strengthen community ties.

Prospects and Expectations

The Tigers’ spring‑training roster includes 30 players, most of whom are prospects in the Tigers’ farm system. Recent additions to the Tigers’ 40‑man roster include top out‑of‑school signee Caleb O’Neill, a left‑hander from Arizona State, and senior outfielder Dylan Smith, who made the 2025 American League All‑Star team. Coach Mark McNally said that “the Panama series will give us a chance to test our bullpen against an international pitching staff, and see how our outfielders handle the different style of play.”

Players are slated to be evaluated across a variety of scenarios, with a particular focus on how they adapt to different ballparks and game speeds. The Tigers’ training staff, led by pitching coordinator Dan McKeown, will be looking at pitch‑calling techniques and defensive shifts during the Panama series. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ infielders will have the chance to practice on the oversized Panamanian‑style bases, which could help sharpen their footwork.

Ticketing and Fan Experience

Ticket sales for the 2026 spring‑training schedule begin on November 15, 2025, with early‑bird pricing for the Panama game. Fans who purchase a season ticket for the entire camp will receive discounted rates for the exhibition, and a special “Panama Pack” includes a commemorative cap and a signed baseball. The Tigers’ website lists a seating chart that places the Panama game in the “Family Section,” ensuring a family‑friendly atmosphere.

In addition to the regular ticketing options, the Tigers will host a pre‑game ceremony honoring the Panamanian players’ achievements, including a presentation of the Panamanian flag and the national anthem. Local Panamanian community groups have pledged to attend in large numbers, and the Tigers have announced a community outreach program that will give Panamanian kids in Detroit a chance to meet the players during a post‑game autograph session.

Other Key Dates and Media Coverage

While the Tigers’ schedule is focused on Arizona, the franchise’s media office has indicated that the Panama game will be broadcast on the Tigers’ official streaming channel and on MLB’s YouTube feed. Fans who miss the live broadcast will have access to a highlights package the following Monday. In addition, the Tigers will be using the Panama series as a marketing opportunity, with a series of Instagram stories featuring behind‑the‑scenes footage from the Cuban‑style training regimen that the Panamanian players follow.

The Tigers’ schedule for the next season is also a part of the larger 2026 MLB spring‑training calendar, which features other teams hosting national squads. The New York Yankees hosted the Cuban national team earlier in the spring, while the Los Angeles Dodgers played the Dominican Republic team in a two‑game series. The MLB website lists all spring‑training schedules, offering a cross‑team comparison.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers’ 2026 spring‑training schedule reflects both continuity and novelty. While the core of the program remains the same—practice sessions, exhibition games against major league opponents—the addition of Panama introduces a new dynamic. For the Tigers’ coaching staff, the Panama series is a chance to test talent under unique conditions, and for fans, it offers an international flavor that expands the tradition of spring training.

With a schedule that balances familiar rivals and international intrigue, the Tigers’ 2026 spring‑training camp promises to be a compelling start to the 2027 season. Detroit fans who want to witness their team test the waters against a national squad, learn new skills from the Tigers’ coaching staff, and support a broader baseball community should keep an eye on the Tigers’ official ticket portal, where the Panama exhibition is set to be the most talked‑about event of the early‑season slate.