Tyler Duffey

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Tyler Duffey

|team = Caliente de Durango

|number =

|image = Tyler_Duffey_(20776769406).jpg

|caption = Duffey with the Twins in 2015

|position = Pitcher

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|12|27}}

|birth_place = Houston, Texas, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = August 5

|debutyear = 2015

|debutteam = Minnesota Twins

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2024 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 30–27

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.57

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 479

|teams =

Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2023}})
Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2024}})

}}

Tyler Blinn Duffey (born December 27, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals.

Amateur career

Duffey attended Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas.{{Cite web |title=The Bellaire Buzz » SportzBuzz – July 2009 |url=http://bellairebuzz.com/2009/07/sportzbuzz-july-2009/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208130821/http://bellairebuzz.com/2009/07/sportzbuzz-july-2009/ |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=bellairebuzz.com}} He then enrolled at Rice University to play college baseball for the Rice Owls baseball team. He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2011 Conference USA baseball tournament. After the 2011 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=142703&seasonid=532 |title=#12 Tyler Duffey |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}} In May 2012, he was named the Conference USA pitcher of the week.{{Cite web |title=Dominant performance earns Rice's Duffey C-USA honor |url=http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/05/dominant-performance-earns-rices-duffey-c-usa-honor/ |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=Houston Chronicle|date=May 20, 2012 }}

Professional career

=Minnesota Twins=

==Minor leagues==

The Minnesota Twins selected Duffey in the fifth round, with the 160th overall selection, of the 2012 MLB draft.{{Cite web |title=Twins select pair of Rice relief pitchers in MLB draft |url=http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/06/rices-chargois-selected-in-the-second-round-of-mlb-draft/ |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=Sports Update |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912195115/http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/06/rices-chargois-selected-in-the-second-round-of-mlb-draft/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=BASEBALL: Bellaire's Duffey to Twins in fifth round of MLB Draft |url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/bellaire/sports/baseball-bellaire-s-duffey-to-twins-in-fifth-round-of/article_77f68650-af37-11e1-8003-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=Your Houston News|date=June 5, 2012 }}{{Cite web |last=John Royal |date=June 8, 2012 |title=Tyler Duffey, J.T. Chargois: The Minnesota Twins Hope the Rice Owls Can Save Them |url=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/news/2012/06/tyler_duffey_twins_rice.php |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=Houston News}}{{Cite web |title=Twins select a second pitcher from Rice University |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/157277535.html |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=startribune.com}} He signed with the Twins{{Cite web |title=Twins reach agreement with Buxton, other picks |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/158521055.html |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=startribune.com}} and pitched for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2013,{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Jeff |date=March 7, 2013 |title=Mom would've been proud of Duffey's performance |url=http://thegazette.com/2013/04/07/kernels-no-hit-beloit/ |access-date=December 6, 2014 |website=Cedar Rapids Gazette}} before receiving a promotion to the Fort Myers Miracle of the High–A Florida State League. He began the 2014 season with Fort Myers, and was promoted to the New Britain Rock Cats of the Double–A Eastern League, and then the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple–A International League.

The Twins invited Duffey to spring training as a non-roster player for 2015.{{Cite web |last=Fox Sports |title=Byron Buxton among invites to Minnesota Twins spring training |url=http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/byron-buxton-among-invites-to-minnesota-twins-spring-training-121914 |access-date=May 23, 2015 |website=FOX Sports|date=December 19, 2014 }} He opened the season with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double–A Southern League,{{Cite web |title=Twins' RHP Tyler Duffey Expected To Open Season With Lookouts |url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2015/3/19/296327/Twins--RHP-Tyler-Duffey-Expected-To.aspx |access-date=May 23, 2015 |website=chattanoogan.com|date=March 20, 2015 }} and was promoted to Rochester in May.{{Cite web |last=Oklobzija |first=Kevin |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Does Duffey callup mean something's up with Alex Meyer? |url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/extra-bases/2015/05/21/will-wings-tinker-with-alex-meyer/27746569/ |access-date=May 23, 2015 |website=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle}}{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Twins prospect Tyler Duffey hurls first complete-game shutout for Rochester Red Wings – MiLB.com News – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-133501874 |access-date=August 2, 2015 |website=Minor League Baseball}}

==Major leagues==

With Tommy Milone going on the disabled list, the Twins promoted Duffey to the major leagues to make his major league debut on August 5, 2015.{{Cite web |title=Twins place Milone on DL, call up Duffey to start Wednesday |url=http://www.startribune.com/twins-place-milone-on-dl-call-up-duffey-to-start-wednesday/320421562/ |access-date=August 2, 2015 |website=Star Tribune|date=August 2, 2015 }} Duffey finished the season with a 5–1 record in 10 starts for the Twins and poising himself for a rotation spot in 2016.{{cn|date=July 2023}} After starting the season in Triple–A due to a logjam in the rotation, Duffey was called up on April 24. Duffey recorded his first major league hit, a sacrifice bunt, that same day in National League play against the Washington Nationals.{{Cite web |title=MLB Baseball Play by Play – Twins vs. Nationals – Apr 24, 2016 |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/playbyplay/MLB_20160424_MIN@WAS/ |access-date=April 24, 2016 |website=CBS Sports}}

On June 26, 2016, Duffey took a perfect game through 5.2 innings until it was broken up by Aaron Hicks. The Twins would still win 7–1 over the Yankees.{{Cite web |last1=Hoch |first1=Bryan |last2=Park |first2=Do-Hyoung |title=Duffey flirts with perfection, Twins hit 6 homers to beat Yanks. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/twins-beat-yankees-with-6-homers-tyler-duffey-c186327576 |access-date=June 26, 2016 |publisher=MLB}} Despite his 6.43 ERA, Duffey finished the season in the rotation, leading the team in wins as he went 9–12 in 26 starts.

In 2017, Duffey was moved to the bullpen and became exclusively a relief pitcher. He appeared in 56 games and amassed a record of 2–3 with a 4.94 ERA. He made the Twins' roster in 2018 in the same role. He was sent down multiple times throughout the season to Triple–A, having appeared only in 19 games for the Twins. Duffey was converted into a reliever for the 2019 season and excelled in the role, registering an ERA of 2.50 in 58 games.

With the 2020 Minnesota Twins, Duffey appeared in 22 games, compiling a 1–1 record with 1.88 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 24.0 innings pitched.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/tyler-duffey-608648|title = Tyler Duffey Stats, Fantasy & News| website=MLB.com }}

On May 20, 2021, Duffey was suspended two games after throwing at Chicago White Sox catcher Yermín Mercedes in a game on May 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/mlb-suspends-twins-tyler-duffey-rocco-baldelli.html|title=MLB Suspends Twins Tyler Duffey, Rocco Baldelli|date=May 20, 2021 }} He made 64 total appearances for Minnesota in 2021, registering a 3.18 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 3 saves in {{fraction|62|1|3}} innings pitched.

Duffey made 40 appearances out of the bullpen for Minnesota in 2022, logging a 4.91 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 2 saves in 44.0 innings of work. On August 5, 2022, Duffey was designated for assignment by the Twins.{{Cite web|title='As tough as it gets': Twins DFA Duffey amid tough season|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-duffey-designated-for-assignment-by-twins|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=mlb.com|language=en}} He was released by the Twins organization on August 7.{{Cite web|title=Longtime Minnesota Twins Pitcher Released|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/minnesota-twins-release-tyler-duffey|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=si.com|date=August 8, 2022 |language=en}}

=Texas Rangers=

On August 12, 2022, Duffey signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.{{Cite web|title=Rangers signing former Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey to minor league deal|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/08/12/rangers-signing-former-twins-pitcher-tyler-duffey-to-minor-league-deal/?outputType=amp|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=dallasnews.com| date=August 12, 2022 |language=en}} He made 4 scoreless appearances for the Triple–A Round Rock Express and struck out five in five innings pitched. On August 28, Duffey opted out of his contract and became a free agent.{{Cite web|title=Tyler Duffey To Opt Out Of Rangers Contract|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/tyler-duffey-to-opt-out-of-rangers-contract.html|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 28, 2022 |language=en}}

=New York Yankees=

On August 30, 2022, Duffey signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.{{Cite web|title=Yankees signing Tyler Duffey to add another potential bullpen option|url=https://nypost.com/2022/08/31/yankees-signing-tyler-duffey-as-another-potential-bullpen-option/|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=nypost.com|date=August 31, 2022 |language=en}} He made seven appearances for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, struggling to a 10.50 ERA and 1–1 record with 8 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}

=Chicago Cubs=

On January 27, 2023, Duffey signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Tyler Duffey: Gets NRI deal from Cubs|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-tyler-duffey-gets-nri-deal-from-cubs/amp/|access-date=January 27, 2023|website=cbssports|language=en}} He made 18 appearances for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, posting a 4-0 record and 4.43 ERA with 24 strikeouts in {{fraction|22|1|3}} innings pitched. On June 1, Duffey exercised the opt-out clause in his contract, giving the Cubs 48 hours to add him to their 40-man roster or grant him his release.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Tyler Duffey: Hits open market|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-tyler-duffey-hits-open-market/amp/|access-date=June 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} The Cubs declined to add Duffey to their roster, and he was formally released on June 3.{{Cite web |title=Transactions |url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-06-03/p-1 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=Minor League Baseball |language=en}} He re-signed with the Cubs on a new minor league contract on June 16.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/roster/transactions | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com }} After posting a 3.77 ERA in 36 appearances for Iowa, the Cubs selected Duffey's contract to the major league roster on October 1.{{Cite web|title=Breaking: Cubs make eight roster moves including Nico Hoerner to IL|url=https://www.cubshq.com/cubs-baseball/news/breaking:-cubs-make-eight-roster-moves-including-nico-hoerner-to-il-32210|access-date=October 1, 2023|website=cubshq.com|date=October 2023 |language=en}} He became a free agent following the season.

=Kansas City Royals=

On December 7, 2023, Duffey signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.{{Cite web|title=Royals' Tyler Duffey: Heads to Royals on MiLB deal|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/royals-tyler-duffey-heads-to-royals-on-milb-deal/|access-date=December 7, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=December 7, 2023 |language=en}} He began the 2024 season with the Triple–A Omaha Storm Chasers, logging a 3.24 ERA across 6 games. On April 22, 2024, the Royals selected Duffey's to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Royals Select Tyler Duffey|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/royals-to-select-tyler-duffey.html|access-date=April 22, 2024|website=mlbteaderumors.com|date=April 22, 2024 |language=en}} In 9 games for Kansas City, Duffey compiled a 5.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 9 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment by the team on May 24.{{Cite web|title=Royals Designate Tyler Duffey For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/royals-designate-tyler-duffey-for-assignment.html|access-date=May 24, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 24, 2024 |language=en}} Duffey cleared waivers and was sent outright to Omaha on May 29.{{Cite web|title=Royals Outright Tyler Duffey|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/royals-outright-tyler-duffey.html|access-date=May 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 29, 2024 |language=en}} He was released by the Royals organization on August 6.{{Cite web|title=Royals Release Tyler Duffey|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/royals-release-tyler-duffey.html|access-date=August 6, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 6, 2024 |language=en}}

=Caliente de Durango=

On February 24, 2025, Duffey signed with the Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Caliente: Llega lanzador con 10 temporadas de experiencia en grandes ligas|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/caliente-llega-lanzador-con-10-temporadas-de-experiencia-en-grandes-ligas|access-date=February 24, 2025|website=Minor League Baseball|language=en}}

Personal life

Duffey's mother, Shanna, died in 2012 after complications from breast cancer led to a blood clot.

Duffey married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Hutchins, on December 19, 2015, and they had their first child, a son, in 2020.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/players-on-having-babies-during-covid-pandemic | title=Players on having babies during COVID pandemic | website=MLB.com }}

On March 6, 2024, Duffey announced that he had recently undergone surgery to remove a cancerous mole from his left shoulder.{{Cite web|title=Royals reliever's melanoma diagnosis hits close to home|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-duffey-diagnosed-and-treated-for-melanoma|access-date=March 9, 2024|website=mlb.com|language=en}}