An Early Look at Detroit Tigers' Top 10 Offseason Targets
When the on-field business ends for the Detroit Tigers in 2014, another busy offseason lies ahead. Team president and general manager Dave Dombowski faces many decisions as he tries to assemble a championship-winning roster. The stripping of dead wood, as well as the impending departure of soon-to-be free agents, such as Max Scherzer, will leave punctures in the current team. The ensuing search for upgrades and replacements portends another frenetic winter in Motown.
The Tigers will undoubtedly show interest in several players who are due to hit free agency. Jon Lester, James Shields, Melky Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez are among a constellation of high-profile players poised to ink lucrative multi-year deals this offseason.
Before speculating on who Detroit may or may not sign, it is worth noting Detroit’s upcoming free agents and their positions:
- Max Scherzer (starting pitcher)
- Victor Martinez (designated hitter)
- Torii Hunter (right field)
- Joba Chamberlain (relief pitcher)
- Phil Coke (relief pitcher)
- Jim Johnson (relief pitcher)
- Joakim Soria (relief pitcher) *Club option
Also, people should not forget the recent departure of Austin Jackson. Center field has been weakened—especially defensively—since he was traded to Seattle.
Other positions, including the full infield, left field and catcher should remain stable next season. Despite the likely loss of Scherzer, Detroit still has four quality starting pitchers under contract. With some emerging youngsters—such as Robbie Ray, Kyle Lobstein and Kyle Ryan—they should be capable of filling the fifth spot internally.
As he is owed $10 million next year, Joe Nathan will presumably be given another opportunity as closer in 2015. Therefore, it is unlikely that Detroit will pursue a high-priced stopper. Late-inning relief will still be a high priority, though.
With the fourth-highest payroll in MLB ($161 million in 2014), per ESPN, Detroit is always active on the free-agent market. Of course, it will not be a simple all-you-can-sign player buffet for the big-spending Tigers. Competition from other blue-chip teams—such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels—will be stiff.
There is much water to pass under the bridge before this offseason. Happenings on the field in the next month or so will undoubtedly affect Detroit’s business activities. But given how the roster is constructed today, let’s look at who would be highest on Dombrowski’s shopping list.
Victor Martinez
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Detroit will be desperate to re-sign Martinez, who is one of the best designated hitters in the game. He leads all DHs in batting average (.322), OPS (.966) and WAR (4.4) this season. He is also fourth in homers (28) and tied for second in RBI (90).
The 2014 campaign has arguably been Martinez’s finest as a MLB player. At 35, the Venezuelan is showing no signs of slowing down. He has already reached his career high in home runs for a single season and his OPS is easily the highest it has ever been.
Martinez should have two or three more highly productive seasons left in the majors. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate also adds versatility to Detroit’s lineup, which is very heavy on right-handed batters.
The Tigers are not the only team eager to secure Martinez’s services. Dayn Perry of cbssports.com recently reported that divisional rivals the Chicago White Sox are likely to make a considerable bid for him. Expect several more clubs to join the queue for his signature.
Andrew Miller
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Once a highly touted Tigers’ prospect, Andrew Miller is now one of the game’s premier left-handed relievers. The 6'7" southpaw has been dominant for both Boston and Baltimore this season, posting a stingy 2.13 ERA.
With four quality pitches, including a nasty slider, Miller has notched some prolific strikeout numbers in 2014. His 14.07 K/9 ranks first among all AL relievers (minimum 40 IP).
Without a proven lefty-killer in Detroit, he is the best player capable of filling the void. Dombrowski would be wise to quickly nab the 29-year-old this offseason after he was pipped by the Orioles before this July’s trade deadline.
J.P. Howell
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As good as Miller has been in the AL, Howell has been similarly impressive for Los Angeles in the NL. Among lefty relievers, the sinker specialist is first in the league in ERA (1.21), second in batting average against (.155) and fifth in WHIP (1.03).
Dodger manager Don Mattingly recently heaped praise on his setup man, per Robert Morales of the Los Angeles Daily News:
"J.P., you can’t really put a value on him, he’s been great,” Mattingly said. “He gets lefties out, he gets righties out, he’s been durable. He gets big outs. We use him kind of all over the place. He’s going to get one guy out or two, or I can use him for a full inning. And, again, he bounces back and we can use him pretty regular.
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With Phil Coke probably leaving, Ian Krol under-performing and Blaine Hardy still unproven at the big league level, look for Dombrowski to make signing a lefty like Howell a priority.
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Luke Gregerson
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With Soria, Chamberlain and Johnson all not guaranteed to return next season, right-handed relief stocks will need bolstering in Detroit. Gregerson would be a very safe bet for the Tigers if they can lure him away from Oakland.
The sinker/slider specialist has been a very consistent reliever during his MLB career. He is a proven workhorse, appearing in 60 or more games in each of his six big-league campaigns.
The Oakland righty has compiled an impressive total of 151 holds, and his career ERA (2.81) and WHIP (1.08) are very respectable. With a bullpen currently ranked 14th in the AL, players like Gregerson would allow Detroit fans a much more comfortable ride late in games.
Pat Neshek
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Pat Neshek is another elite reliever soon to hit the free-agent market. The eight-year veteran is currently having a career year with the Cardinals. Neshek’s WHIP (0.66) and K/BB ratio (8.71) currently rank first and fifth in MLB, respectively (minimum 40 innings).
The bearded righty has stifled hitters with his signature sinkerball all season. Gaining heavy dip from his side-arm release point, opponents are hitting a paltry .186 off this pitch, according to Brooks Baseball.
At 34, Neshek also appears to be getting better with age. His ERA (1.37) is easily the lowest of his eight-year career. He would be an ideal setup man in Detroit, and a solid choice to close games if incumbent closer Joe Nathan falters.
Torii Hunter
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Torii Hunter will turn 40 in the middle of next year but he remains a very productive MLB player. With just under a month to play, the 16-year veteran is on pace to club 18 homers and drive in 90 runs in 2014.
In addition to his productivity on the field, Hunter also offers his team the intangibles of leadership and experience. This may be indispensable for Detroit, especially if Victor Martinez departs.
Also, right field could prove troublesome for the Tigers if Hunter does not return. Youngster Steven Moya is still about a year away from being a regular player, while the other contender, Andy Dirks, has missed the entire season due to injury.
Hunter still yearns for an elusive World Series ring and Detroit is one of the likeliest places he will achieve it. Therefore, another season in the old English D makes sense for both him and the ballclub.
Melky Cabrera
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In recent years, switch-hitting Cabrera has matured into a fine major-league hitter. He has posted a .300 batting average three times in the past four years. His ability to bat on both sides of the plate would provide more balance to Detroit’s lineup, whose only left-handed hitter definitely returning is Alex Avila.
The ex-Yankee also has a habit of putting balls in play. This season he has struck out only 66 times in 559 at-bats. Cabrera also has some pop in his bat and is only four dingers shy of reaching the 20-homer plateau for the first time in his career.
With nine full years in the majors under his belt, Cabrera is now in the prime of his career. The Dominican would be an excellent addition to the Detroit outfield—particularly if Hunter does not return.
Joba Chamberlain
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Seeking new horizons after a career gone awry in New York, Joba Chamberlain found a home in Detroit this past offseason. The rejuvenated right-hander has had a fine 2014 season in the Motor City. He is currently tied second in the AL in holds (24) and has appeared in 59 games—most in his career.
Chamberlain no longer possesses the high-90’s fastball of his younger days, but he still nearly strikes out a batter per inning. He has also managed to hold opponents to a .251 average this season, proving that he is still a difficult proposition for MLB hitters.
Chamberlain should be even stronger in the years to come as he puts more distance between himself and his 2011 Tommy John surgery. Detroit would be smart to lock him up before too long.
Colby Rasmus
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As Rajai Davis has not yet proven himself as an everyday center fielder, Detroit might take a punt on Toronto’s Rasmus. An injured hamstring has hampered him this year, leading to a slump in his numbers—.251/.307/.407.
Rasmus had his best season in 2013, setting career highs in batting average (.276) and WAR (4.8). He also launched 22 homers despite missing 44 games. His defense was outstanding, too—according to Fangraphs, Rasmus saved 11 runs for his team.
The former Cardinal is one of the few true center fielders on the market and the Tigers' keen pursuit of Rusney Castillo shows how eager they are to find a solution in that position. Ultimately, Detroit might be content with Davis or even Ezequiel Carrera trawling the middle of the field next year. If not, Toronto’s Rasmus could be a tempting name to pursue.
Jason Grilli
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Fondly remembered for his contributions in a Detroit uniform nearly a decade ago, Grilli still has plenty to offer as a MLB reliever. The 38-year-old's closer days seem to have passed, but he is doing a sterling job as a setup man in Anaheim.
It is unlikely that Grilli is high on Detroit’s priorities, but it would be a pragmatic acquisition for them if they are unable to sign Gregerson or Neshek. He also offers another veteran presence and his “Grilli-cheese” fastball still helps him strike out more than one batter per inning.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats are courtesy of espn.go.com
To talk baseball and other sports, please find me on Twitter: @jdunc1979
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