He spent the 2018 season with the Single–A Delmarva Shorebirds, starting 23 contests and logging an 8–6 record and 2.86 ERA with 85 strikeouts across 132.0 innings pitched.[3] In 2019, Hanifee played for the High–A Frederick Keys, making 24 appearances and registering a 9–10 record and 4.60 ERA with 78 strikeouts across 129.0 innings of work. He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]
On May 26, 2021, Hanifee underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season.[5] He returned from injury in 2022, playing for the Double–A Bowie Baysox, Aberdeen, and the rookie–level Florida Complex League Orioles. In 13 starts between the three affiliates, Hanifee accumulated a 3.92 ERA with 40 strikeouts across 43+2⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10, 2022.[6]
On December 5, 2022, Hanifee signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers. He was assigned to the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens,[7] for whom he made 25 appearances (13 starts) and logged a 2–8 record and 4.38 ERA with 82 strikeouts.
On September 20, 2023, Hanifee was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[8] In 3 games for Detroit, he allowed 3 runs on 8 hits with 3 strikeouts in 5.0 innings of work. On November 14, Hanifee was designated for assignment after multiple prospects were added to the roster.[9] Three days later Hanifee became a free agent when he was not tendered a contract from the Tigers.[10]
On December 8, 2023, Hanifee re-signed with the Tigers on a minor league contract.[11]
