3 Tigers Who Will Be Replaced by Free Agent Signings

Each MLB team has roster turnover from year-to-year, and that will be ESSENTIAL for Detroit if it wants to take another step toward contention.

It’s no secret that the Tigers have struggled on offense over the past few seasons, and that makes it easy to target players who need to be replaced – or at least take a backseat to new additions.

Here are three players who the Tigers shouldn’t have to rely on too much in 2024 if this offseason goes the right way:

3 Tigers Who Will Be Replaced

Of course, it’s likely that more than three Tigers players will be replaced this offseason, but let’s focus on three hitters who might lose out on playing time.

We’re not saying that these players won’t have ANY impact, but they’re probably best served in lesser roles.

Matt Vierling, 3B/OF

Vierling was one of the best additions to last year’s team and made the Gregory Soto trade to Philadelphia worth it on his own merit.

He played each outfield position and third base last season. That means he’ll be DESPERATELY needed this season, as the Tigers could use an extra outfielder AND a third baseman.

However, he had 479 at-bats in 134 games last year, and it’s hard to see how he reaches those numbers again – unless Detroit doesn’t add another third baseman or outfielder.

Vierling posted impressive numbers, too, including a .261 batting average with a .329 on-base percentage and a 1.5 WAR (wins above replacement). However, his lack of power presents a problem. He hit just 10 home runs, 21 doubles and five triples with the sixth-best slugging percentage among Tigers regulars.

Vierling would be an EXCELLENT option as a semi-regular third baseman or a bench piece. But he lacks the power to be an enticing starter who deserves close to 500 at-bats.

Nick Maton, Infielder

Another addition from last year’s Soto trade, Maton didn’t live up to the hype like Vierling did.

He was one of MLB’s worst hitters last season, recording a .173 batting average with a .288 on-base percentage in 249 at-bats across 93 games, including a NEGATIVE 1.5 WAR.

And it’s not as if Maton offers much power (8 HR, 9 2Bs) or speed (1 SB, 2 CS). It’s clear that Maton is not fit for a substantial role on this team going forward.

It’s imperative that the Tigers identify mistakes like adding Maton and move on from them quickly.

Zach McKinstry, Super Utility

Detroit traded for McKinstry from the Cubs last season to help patch some holes in its infield and was needed, especially since Jonathan Schoop played in just 55 games.

Now, however, his services are a bit of a luxury. The Tigers have two impressive hitting prospects on their way in Justin Henry-Malloy and Colt Keith.

Those players are probably better options right away. If the Tigers ALSO add another hitter, that only makes the path to playing time harder for McKinstry.

After posting a .239 batting average (career .221 hitter), it would likely serve Detroit better to give its younger players – or a free agent addition – a look over McKinstry.

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