Detroit Tigers Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez was fired on Tuesday for “violation of club policy” amid reports he sent inappropriate text messages to a female staffer, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Tigers’ human resources department was made aware of the situation on Monday, and following a brief investigation into the matter, Alvarez, who was promoted to manager of the Toledo Mud Hens in 2025, was let go by the organization.
Alvarez’s behavior isn’t the first time allegations of misconduct toward women have been raised in the Tigers organization.
“Over the past year, multiple reports from The Athletic outlined inappropriate behavior from men toward women in the organization,” Passan reported. “Sam Menzin, an assistant general manager with the team, resigned in April 2025 and was later reported to have sent lewd photos to multiple female Tigers employees.
“A later report alleged eight men employed by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment — the consortium that owns the Tigers and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings — were accused of misconduct toward women.”
Gabe Alvarez Breaks Silence After Tigers Firing
GettyA detail of the Detroit Tigers D logo on a hat during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 15, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
After being informed of his dismissal, Alvarez released a statement, seemingly expressing remorse over his behavior.
“I sent a single text message to a colleague that I intended as a lighthearted joke,” Alvarez said in the statement. “Shortly after sending it, I recognized that the message was inappropriate and did not reflect the values and judgment I strive to uphold, and I immediately reached out to clarify my intent.
“I never intended to cause discomfort or offense, and I regret that the message created this situation. This was an isolated incident and not reflective of my long-standing record of professionalism, respect for colleagues, and conduct over the course of my career.”
Before taking over the Mud Hens, Alvarez managed Detroit’s Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves, for three seasons. He led the team to consecutive Eastern League championships in 2023 and 2024.
According to The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli, many around MLB viewed Alvarez as a future big-league manager.
Tigers Get More Bad News on Wednesday
GettyDetroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez will serve a five-game suspension
Alvarez’s firing wasn’t the only unpleasant thing the organization had to deal with on Wednesday.
It was revealed that starting pitcher Framber Valdez, who is tied for the team-lead in starts this season (8), was slapped with a six-game suspension, which was ultimately reduced to five games shortly after.
Valdez found himself in hot water after drilling Boston Red Sox infielder Trevor Story in the back with a fastball during Tuesday night’s game. His actions caused a benches-clearing brawl and he was subsequently ejected from the game.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch also received a one-game suspension plus a fine. His suspension was served Wednesday night.
Losing Valdez is a big blow to the Tigers, who also lost ace Tarik Skubal to an elbow injury that will require surgery. It’s not known how long he’ll be out, but he’s expected to miss significant time.
Tigers Fire Manager After Sending Inappropriate Text Message to Staffer