Detroit Tigers: 3 veteran players who may outlast the rebuild

Jonathan Schoop – INF/RHH

Another one of the very few players on multi-year free-agent deals is big-league veteran Jonathan Schoop. In fact, Schoop very recently signed a two-year, $15 million contract extension to stay with the Detroit Tigers organization through the 2023 season.

While the “end” of the rebuild will be by the 2023 season, Schoop might very well get another extension with the team. He’s become someone that fans love, fellow players love, and someone who helps plug holes while mentoring the young guys.

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Schoop is 29 years old and a nine-year veteran of the big leagues. He’s become quite the versatile infielder, becoming a player who can run the middle infield and has played first base for the team. Offensively, he’s had an exceptional season as well.

In 2021, Schoop has logged 124 games where he is slashing .287/.328/.449 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI for the Tigers. He’s been someone who slots in the lineup daily and has been incredibly durable throughout the 2021 season.

If the Tigers are going to keep a solid veteran around, Schoop is the perfect guy to do it with. He will already be with the team through 2023, but another year or two might not be that bad. Time will tell, but if there’s a veteran to pick to stick around, Schoop is one to pick on the offensive side of things.

He’s versatile defensively and has been quite successful offensively. If he is able to work with the younger guys and help them adjust to the big leagues, the Tigers might be apt to keep him around.

The Detroit Tigers rebuild is nearing its final days, and each of these three veterans has the chance to “outlast” the rebuild.