Detroit Tigers: Do not forget about C.J. Cron over at first base

The Detroit Tigers signed C.J. Cron to a one-year deal; the sprint season is a chance to earn a callback for an extension.

The Detroit Tigers are adjusting to the new “normal” with their shortened season, and one of their offseason has a chance to earn himself a call back for an extension. C.J. Cron has an opportunity to earn himself an extension for at least another season if he has a strong performance in 2020.

All things considered, the Tigers may not need the depth at first base. Still, on a $6.1 million contract, he can be afforded quite easily, especially since the Tigers are not spending any significant money at the moment.

Cron has spent the 2019 season with the Minnesota Twins and is poised to be an excellent addition for the Tigers organization in 2020. The shortened season means there will be playing time available when guys need rest during the sprint.

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Last season, Cron played in 125 games for the Twins while hitting .253/.311/.469 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI. He may not be the most significant impact bat, but he offers some pop in the Tigers lineup, which was horrifying last season.

But in 2020, the Tigers have added some power, and Cron can showcase this during the sprint season. He has the ability to play alongside Miguel Cabrera at first base, working into the lineup and getting the chance to earn a cheap extension for another season.

Cron should not be forgotten while the attention turns to the prospects during this 2020 season if the Tigers are looking to keep someone like Cron around as a stopgap while Cabrera transitions to the designated hitter role (unwillingly), he might be the guy.

Though Cabrera looks to be “in the best shape of his life” or at least in recent years, his time at first base is going to be numbered, and Cron can absorb this role. Maybe Cron splits time with Cabrera and possibly even first overall selection Spencer Torkelson.

At the end of the day, Cron will make a valuable addition to the Tigers for the 2020 season while the organization sprints through 60 games. In a season where unorthodox players become unsung heroes, Cron might be surprising with a nice season of power or something of that nature.

The Tigers are not going to be contending, but Cron’s addition to the lineup might be helpful and keep them in some games along with players like Jonathan Schoop and the reinvented Miguel Cabrera.

Hopefully, the Detroit Tigers can get some quality play out of C.J. Cron and ultimately reward him with a contract extension for at least another year.