Detroit Tigers Are Seriously Talking With Ryan Raburn
By Matt Snyder
The Detroit Tigers have had free agent talks with Ryan Raburn who could fill platoon outfield role.
Much of the Detroit Tigers chatter on the internet the past few days has surrounded their potential opening in left field. Earlier today we heard that they have had discussions surrounding several options, including big names.
It doesn’t seem likely that the Tigers will sign another large-dollar free agent, so it’s not surprising that they would be talking with platoon-type options as well. Now we have received confirmation that an old friend could come back to town.
You might want to sit down for this.
According to Anthony Fenech, right-handed hitter Ryan Raburn is “in play” as an option to platoon in left field with Tyler Collins.
From what I've heard, Tigers would need a big-name outfielder to take a short-term deal to be in play. Also, Ryan Raburn is in play.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) January 11, 2016
Raburn spent parts of seven seasons with the Tigers between 2004 and 2012 (where he hit a combined .256/.311/.430), but he wore out his welcome in the eys of the fan base with his propensity to be a defensive liability and his failure to produce at a consistently high level.
The good news for Raburn detractors is that the reunion is far from inevitable. Tony Paul tells us that Raburn’s asking price is too high for the Tigers’ liking.
Ryan Raburn's ask remains a little too steep for #Tigers right now. Seriously.
— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) January 11, 2016
Raburn earned $2.5 million as a member of the Cleveland Indians last season so he could be seeking something in the three-year, $9 million range. The Tigers, if the report is accurate, perhaps would be looking to acquire his services for fewer years and fewer dollars.
Raburn’s advanced metrics peg him as an average corner outfielder, and he has put up big number against left-handed pitching in his career (122 wRC+ versus LHP).
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Statistically, Raburn would make a lot of sense for the Detroit Tigers, but I’m sure the fan reaction would be overwhelmingly negative should a deal come to fruition.