Report: Tigers summon Trei Cruz, creating MLB's fifth third-generation family

It took six minor-league seasons, but Detroit Tigers prospect Trei Cruz reportedly will finally carry his family tradition to the major leagues.

The Tigers plan to call up Cruz from Triple-A Toledo and have him in uniform for Friday's AL Central matchup against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park, according to MLB.com.

With his reported summons, Cruz will become the third member of his immediate family to compete at the MLB level, joining his father, Jose Cruz Jr., and grandfather, Jose.

MLive.com suggested Cruz could take the place of Wenceel Perez, who apparently suffered a non-baseball training-room incident. Perez was hitting .180 in 161 at-bats this season.

Tigers giving 27-year-old prospect Trei Cruz MLB look

If Cruz enters a game this weekend, the Cruz family would become the fifth third-generation clan to play big-league baseball, joining the Boones, Bells, Colemans and Hairstons.

Cruz, like Perez, is a switch-hitter who can play a variety of infield and outfield positions. He joined the Tigers' system in 2021 and initially struggled offensively, hitting a combined .161 for four teams during his first season. His best minor-league season was in 2025, when he hit .279 combined for the Mud Hens and Double-A Erie.

Ranked as the Tigers' No. 22 prospect, Cruz, who was drafted in the third round in 2020, hit. 228 in 33 Triple-A games this season.

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