Detroit Tigers: 5 free agents to target this offseason

The Detroit Tigers could play it safe and bring in veteran Andrelton Simmons.

It seems that the Detroit Tigers are going to spend big and bring in a shortstop this offseason. The question is, how much are they going to flex the pocketbook. Taking a page out of the efficiency book, Andrelton Simmons might be the guy.

Simmons could provide the Tigers with stability at shortstop while also adding some buttoned-up defense as well. He may cost the team a bit more than some of the “cheaper” and mid-range options, but it might be worth it to avoid a horrifying mega-deal.

After five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and nine years overall, Simmons signed with the Minnesota Twins for the 2021 season. He went on to log 131 games with them, where he slashed .223/.283/.274 on the season.

His fielding percentage took a dip in 2021, as did some of his fielding metrics across the board. However, Simmons has the tools to be a clean infielder up the middle and would help the Tigers pick up some outs defensively with his abilities. His DRS took a dip from past seasons but was still 14 and just a couple of notches below where he usually resides.

Suppose the Tigers are looking for a cost-efficient shortstop who does not break the bank like Carlos Correa inevitably will. In that case, they should be looking to target veteran shortstop Andrelton Simmons.