Detroit Tigers: Marcus Semien a big-name shortstop to target in offseason

The Detroit Tigers should consider signing Marcus Semien if they want to be bold and add a big-name player this offseason.

During the offseason, the expectations for the Detroit Tigers is that they will not be big spenders. They are more likely to make some low-impact signings and try to fill out their roster. If they chose to divert from this narrative and spend some coin, they should target infielder Marcus Semien.

The Tigers infield might benefit from adding a sound defensive shortstop who also can provide offense to the lineup. Semien really took shape with the Oakland Athletics after being nothing special with the Chicago White Sox.

In 2019, Semien actually was third in the Most Valuable Player race, but he was not as good during the 2020 60-game sprint season. The Tigers could scoop him up and use him to boost the team in several areas.

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Semien is 30 years old and could be someone to target if the Tigers move on from Jonathan Schoop.

Semien could take the starting shortstop duties, meaning Willi Castro would get shifted over to second base, and Niko Goodrum would go back to his utility player duties.

This past season, Semien played in 53 games where he hit .223/.305/.374 with seven long balls and 23 total RBI for the Athletics.

This is what followed up the 2019 season, where he hit .285/.369/.522 with 33 home runs and 92 RBI on his way to an MVP-caliber season.

Semien had settled in nicely for the Athletics, and if the Tigers want to spend this offseason and spend just a little bit more on an upgrade at the shortstop position.

As mentioned above, spending is not likely on the team’s radar, but Semien could be someone the team targets on a multi-year deal.

Last year, Semien made $13 million on his contract with the Athletics, which was more than double what he made the year before when he took home $5.9 million from the Athletics. The offseason has not taken shape, and teams have not started throwing around money.

This means, without the market taking shape, Semien might be exploring all of his options, which could work out for the Tigers, but also could work against them. Organizations around the league have seen a decline in their revenue, which could result in teams’ curbing their spending.

That being said, players might start to settle for contracts a little lower than some would expect. If that is the case, the Tigers should look to sign Semien to a multi-year deal, as was mentioned above.

The Detroit Tigers may not do a lot of spending this offseason, but Marcus Semien could be a name to target if they decide to spend.