The Tigers and the city of Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday broke ground on the latest upgrade to the Tigertown complex, a new player development academy that includes dormitories, dining areas, meeting rooms, classrooms and player spaces designed to help young players through the transition into pro ball.
The Tigertown complex includes the first two levels of Minor League affiliates with the rookie-level Florida Complex League and the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers of the Florida State League. It also includes the Florida Instructional League each fall, which allows players to work on specific aspects of their game before beginning the offseason. All of those levels should benefit from the new academy, a 60,000 square-foot facility scheduled to be ready in early 2027.
“This development represents a transformative step forward for our organization, impacting thousands of players in years ahead,” Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said in a release. “The Player Development Academy is designed to create an incredible environment that helps our youngest players transition into professional baseball, maximize their on-field skills, and ultimately put them in a position to help us win ballgames in Detroit. This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and has come together thanks to the hard work of local partners in Lakeland and members of our front office staff."
The academy is the latest in a series of upgrades over past 10 years that have transformed Lakeland from the Tigers’ Spring Training home to a year-round home for player development for Major Leaguers and prospects alike, and a hub for the Tigers’ medical rehab work. Previous upgrades unveiled last Spring Training included a covered turf infield and climate-controlled batting cages for player work during Florida’s summer rains, along with expanded bullpen mounds for additional pitcher work.
The upgrades fit into the organizational vision centered on developing young talent through the Draft, international signings and eventually the minor leagues. The Tigers have built one of the top-ranked farm systems in baseball over the past few years, not just through top picks and signings but by developing undervalued players into top talent.
“This project is about more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a best-in-class player experience,” Lakeland parks, recreation and cultural arts director Bob Donahay said in a release. “The new Player Development Academy will help foster an environment where players can grow, recover, and thrive, both on and off the field.”