Detroit Tigers: Kolten Wong on a short-term deal is intriguing
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Tigers may not be after any big names, but second baseman Kolten Wong is an intriguing idea on a short-term contract.
As the offseason chugs along and teams across Major League Baseball continue to iron out their rosters, the Detroit Tigers are doing the same. While signing any big-name players is not something the Tigers will do, there are still ways they can make improvements.
Even taking risks and taking chances on players who might be a bit more expensive could work out well for the organization. Kolten Wong is a great example of this, he may not be the cheapest, but the Tigers could sign him to a shorter-term contract.
It’s an intriguing thought; they could bring in the 30-year old shortstop on a one-year or even two-year deal to add some offense to the lineup. Not to mention, Wong did take home a Gold Glove award during the 2020 season, so he would add some strong defense as well.
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Given the Tigers’ crop of young infielders, having veteran defenders who have clean mechanics and make the plays, and can work with some of the younger guys is only another added benefit.
The Tigers signing Wong could also allow them to explore the idea of using him as a rental, shipping him off at the 2021 trade deadline if the opportunity presents itself.
The last two seasons have been quite kind to Wong; in 2019, he played in 148 games for the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting .285/.361/.423 with 11 home runs and 59 RBI on the year.
He would play in 53 games of the Cardinals 2020 season, where he hit .265/.350/.326 with seven extra-base hits and 16 RBI on the season.
After eight years in the Cardinals organization, Wong is a free agent and is one of the players the Tigers should consider signing this offseason. The organization brought in Jonathan Schoop in the 2019 offseason; while this was a good signing and re-signing him is another option, Wong is interesting.
Ultimately the Tigers front office calls the shots and makes those decisions, but they should consider adding Wong to their list of offseason targets if he is not already on it. A contact hitter who could be productive at the top of the lineup would only help the Tigers.
The 2021 season should bring far better results than some of the past seasons, and prospects will start getting more chances. With A.J. Hinch now at the helm as the newly hired manager, the hope should be to see what kind of progress this team can make in 2021.
Adding someone like Wong, who brings offense and productivity to the table, is far better than signing a fringe minor leaguer who is 35 years old and has nothing to offer but eating up a roster spot.
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There may be cheaper options out there, but this offseason, the Detroit Tigers, need to consider signing Kolten Wong to be their second baseman in 2021.