Report: Detroit Tigers Player Blasts Front Office for Costing Him 7-Figure Deal

First and foremost, Major League Baseball is a business. Former Detroit Tigers utility player Brandon Dixon experienced the harsh realities of that business in 2020 when the Tigers prevented him from earning seven figures in Japan.

In a lengthy tweet on Wednesday, July 31, Dixon claimed that the Tigers turned what could have been a $1.2 million season for him into one where he earned just $60,000. This incident followed a season where Dixon led the 2019 Tigers with 15 home runs, despite the team heading towards a league-worst 47-114 record. As the Tigers continued losing games, Dixon’s playing time decreased in favor of younger prospects. For context, the then-27-year-old Dixon had only 52 at-bats in September 2019 compared to 97 the month before.

“It was clear that the Tigers were rebuilding, and I wasn’t in their future plans,” Dixon wrote. “Quickly into the offseason, I was receiving interest from multiple teams in Korea and Japan. For those who don’t know, these are the two premier leagues outside of the U.S.

“They have limits on the number of foreigners allowed on each team, so these jobs can be somewhat rare.”

The timing wasn’t favorable for Dixon, who was still under contract with Detroit.

“This is usually resolved by a buyout between the two teams,” he explained. “We put the right people in contact and informed the Tigers that I wanted to stay if I was part of the future, but if not, I wanted to go and make some money for my family.”

Brandon Dixon Said GM Al Avila Said He Was ‘a Big Part’ of the Team’s Future

For the $1.2 million contract offer, the Tigers demanded a $1 million buyout, essentially killing any potential deal. Dixon stated that then-GM Al Avila “wouldn’t budge” and explained to Dixon that he was a “big part of the future of this team.”

Dixon was forced to turn down the offer—ultimately not a bad outcome if he was indeed going to have a significant role in Detroit. He would likely earn more money in the majors anyway.

In 2019 I was offered a 7 figure contract that I couldn't accept.

I had just finished up my best year in the Big leagues for the Tigers. I led the team in home-runs (15- We lost a lot of games).

In the last month I saw most of my playing time go to the "young guys" since we… pic.twitter.com/hODOkfHL7o

— Brandon Dixon (@brandonadixon) July 31, 2024

However, that’s not how it unfolded. Just a month and a half later, the Tigers changed their stance.

“Six weeks later, the day after my wedding and on the way to my honeymoon, I got a call from the Tigers GM,” Dixon wrote. “‘Hey, I’m sorry, but we are putting you on waivers. We made a couple of trades and needed your roster spot.’

“I went unclaimed, my offer in Japan was already given to another player, and I was headed to the minor leagues with Detroit. That year ended up being the shortened COVID season, and I finished the year making $60k.”

Dixon appeared in five games for Detroit in September 2020, going 1-13. He went to Japan the following year, signing with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, before returning stateside in 2022 to play in the San Diego Padres’ system.

Brandon Dixon Turned to Street Sweeping

Dixon has since retired from baseball and started his own street-sweeping business.

The former Tiger now owns Cleaner Streets LLC, based in Southern California, according to North American Sweeper Magazine.

“We’ve seen quite a bit of success so far,” Dixon told the magazine. “I think we’ve multiplied our revenues by about 3 to 4 times what it was when we bought the company in November. It’s a big transition and a totally different atmosphere. But, I’m really enjoying this business and the learning aspect of this new challenge.”

In May, Dixon shared another lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining why he decided to enter the street-sweeping industry. He cited the high demand (“It’s mandatory” and “there’s a lot of streets”) and the low level of competition. Just as importantly, he added, “my daughter loves looking at big trucks.”

A glimpse into the world of Street Sweeping that 1 person asked for…

I don't claim to be a savvy business man, I'm an athlete. So here's a simple breakdown of what's to like about it:
– It's mandatory. (Demand)
– There's a lot of streets (Also demand)
– California emission…

— Brandon Dixon (@brandonadixon) May 9, 2024

Despite his baseball career not going quite as he had hoped, Dixon can still look back positively on his experience.

“It’s been a fun journey, from a kid dreaming of the big leagues to getting to play for my hometown team,” the La Jolla, California, native said when he announced his retirement. “Thank you to everyone who was part of it.”