The Detroit Tigers will start the 2021 baseball season with a payroll of just over $79 million for their opening day roster, and $96.1 million for the 40 man roster, including player benefits. Those numbers are down from $107 and $114 million in 2020, respectively. After pro rating salaries for the shortened season, the Tigers paid just $43.3 million last year for the major league roster.
Detroit shed $44.85 million from their payroll at the end of the 2020 season, and another $6 million for their final payment to Prince Fielder for gross savings of $50 million, year over year.