Detroit Tigers Position Grades: 1B/DH — Miguel Cabrera is Elite but Injury Concerns are Real
By Matt Snyder
Jul 10, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter John Jaso (28) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers are committed to the duo of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez for the next three seasons, so there’s not much starting time to go around. Still, the organization should probably count on at least one of those two missing a significant period of time each year. If it doesn’t happen, then great, but at this point an injury to either one shouldn’t catch the club off guard.
It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for the Tigers to grab a left-handed bench bat who could spend some time at DH and play a little first base (and outfield would be a plus) — maybe someone like John Jaso if the price is right — but players who both (1) hit well and (2) are inexpensive to acquire are for some reason difficult to come by.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, perhaps) it would seem that most of the extra money this offseason will go toward bolstering the pitching staff.
Next: Tigers Position Grades: Catchers