Offseason
- December 9, 1939: Wally Moses was traded by the Tigers to the Philadelphia Athletics for Benny McCoy. The trade was voided on January 14, 1940.
- January 14: Baseball commissioner Judge Landis ruled that 91 players on the Tigers roster or in the Detroit farm system were free agents, due to misconduct by the team in restricting its minor league players. The players awarded free agency included Roy Cullenbine‚ Benny McCoy‚ Lloyd Dietz‚ and Steve Rachunok from the team’s major league roster. Landis also ordered the team to pay compensation of $47‚250 to 14 players. The minor league players awarded free agency included Johnny Sain.
- February 15: The Tiger released a roster showing Hank Greenberg as an outfielder. Greenberg’s move to the outfield made room for Rudy York to take over at first base.
Read more about this topic: 1940 Detroit Tigers Season