Free Agents The Tigers Should Target This Offseason
By Tyler Kotila
As the Detroit Tigers offseason kicks off, take a look at who they could bring in for the 2020 season.
Last season the Detroit Tigers offseason moves were minimal but did not offer much for them due to injuries over the year.
Some of the names of players who were signed last year but will not be returning are Jordy Mercer, Tyson Ross, and Matt Moore. Josh Harrison was also signed, he was then injured and designated for assignment by the team. The Tigers need to make sure that this year’s additions will pan out, even as “rentals” on a rebuilding team.
The rentals are simply filling gaps with players in the minor leagues work their way into the big leagues. Sadly, the cold hard truth is that the Tigers will not sign Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg, who are two of the biggest names on the free-agent market. With the Tigers being roughly two to three years out from the competition, this will be another painful offseason, but who should they target?
The way things stand now, the Tigers will need to sign someone to play first base since Miguel Cabrera has essentially assumed the role of Designated Hitter. With catchers, Jake Rogers and Grayson Greiner to be splitting time with this year’s version of Bobby Wilson, expect a veteran catcher signing. To round out the infield, they will most likely bring in at least one middle infielder who can play second base and shortstop.
On the rubber, the Tigers have Michael Fulmer making his return to the rotation this season, and Tyler Alexander currently slated for that fifth spot. It should not shock anyone for the Tigers to go out and sign two starting pitchers, one proven veteran (like Tyson Ross last year) and one who’s a gamble (like Matt Moore last year).
The bullpen suffered some hits when the Tigers outrighted players to kick off the offseason; this will be replenished by minor league signings or low-value big-league signings. In other words, do not expect the Tigers to be making a run at someone like Dellin Betances or Collin McHugh.
There are plenty of names on the market, with starting pitching being the most talent-filled over relievers, which thin out very fast. Something to note, specialists like Daniel Stumpf have decreased tenfold in value since baseball implemented the three batter minimum rule for the upcoming 2020 season.
The value in specialists has been reduced a bit because of this, but nonetheless, the starting pitching market is primed for the biggest signings. The following recommendations on who the Tigers should target only mention a few names, this Free Agent Tracker offers a better look at which players are available at every position besides the players mentioned beyond this point.