5 Cost-Effective Signings the Detroit Tigers Can Make This Offseason
The Detroit Tigers’ quest to become 2015 World Series champions begins now.
With this season’s Fall Classic complete, it’s time for them to pursue new blood and construct a championship-winning squad. Finding cost-effective solutions to improve the team will be a big part of that process.
In a recent press conference, team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski identified three main priorities for the team this offseason: center field, bullpen and a left-handed bat—per Chris Iott of MLive.
Detroit is still stinging from the loss of center fielder Austin Jackson before this year’s trade deadline. Rajai Davis is perhaps more suited to a corner outfield position or a platoon role at center.
Detroit’s bullpen quagmire needs little introduction. They had another dismal 2014 campaign (13th in the league in ERA) that only got worse in the postseason.
With Joe Nathan and (probably) Joakim Soria returning next year, the Tigers won’t require a new closer. However, they will seek bullpen arms that can help build a bridge to the eighth and ninth innings.
Detroit’s lack of depth was also something that became exposed in October. ESPN’s Dan Shulman recently spoke to Matt Dery on Detroit Sports 105.1 radio and compared the Tigers and San Francisco Giants rosters:
"The Giants roster, say, (players) 18-25 probably can compete with anyone in baseball. The Tigers roster 18-25—I don’t think they can do that. One-seven—the Tigers are great. I really do think you need depth in baseball more than other sports.
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Adding urgency to this situation is the uncertain futures in Detroit of Don Kelly and Andy Dirks—both of whom are left-handed hitters.
The Tigers also need to have contingencies in place for the possible departure of Victor Martinez. His void would easily be the most difficult to fill on this team.
With all of these issues in mind, let’s now take a look at some potential under-the-radar signings that Dombrowski will be mulling over in the coming weeks.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats and salaries are courtesy of Fangraphs.
Emilio Bonifacio
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Utility man Bonifacio would be an excellent fit for the Tigers.
The seven-year veteran offers the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions and can provide good production on offense.
Bonifacio’s career slash line is a decent .262/.319./.341, and his 164 career stolen bases further demonstrate the value he adds to a team.
The 29-year-old earned $3.7 million this year with the Cubs and Atlanta. He can expect to earn similar dollars next season, which is far less than the salary demands of other free-agent outfielders, such as Colby Rasmus.
In Detroit, Bonifacio could play as a platoon outfielder in center or on the corners, as well as provide a rest for starting infielders from time to time. His ability to switch hit would also be an asset as Detroit remain a very right-hand dominant lineup.
Luke Gregerson
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Gregerson has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers in baseball the past six years.
This season with Oakland was probably his finest. In 72 appearances, Gregerson had a 2.12 ERA and 59 strikeouts.
The former Padre will not come cheap, but the fact that he will not command closer-like money means that he is a highly affordable proposition for Detroit.
A three-year deal for $20-25 million would be a good investment for a player who can lock down the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.
Michael Cuddyer
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If Victor Martinez bids Detroit adieu this offseason, they will need to find a successor at designated hitter. Cuddyer could be that man.
The ex-Twin has been a fine offensive player throughout his career, as demonstrated by his impressive slash line of .293/.350/.480.
With injuries limiting Cuddyer to only 280 games during the past three seasons, a return to the American League seems imminent. A DH/part-time outfield role would be the ideal scenario for the 14-year veteran.
Cuddyer made $10.5 million this season with the Colorado Rockies and would be decent value at a similar price.
Obviously, if Martinez re-signs then the discussion is moot. It will be fascinating to see how it all pans out.
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Tom Gorzelanny
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With Phil Coke now a free agent, and others (e.g. Blaine Hardy) still unproven at the big-league level, the Tigers have a big void with left-handed relief pitching.
Gorzelanny is a proven commodity who could be an inexpensive pickup. Obviously, Detroit would love to acquire the best on the market, i.e. Andrew Miller. Unfortunately for them, they are not alone in that wish, and competition from other teams will be stiff.
After returning from injury to the Brewers’ bullpen at midseason, Gorzelanny was dynamite. In 23 games, he recorded a microscopic 0.86 ERA and 23 strikeouts.
The 6’3” southpaw has been excellent throughout his career at retiring lefties (.226 opponents’ average). He could be equally effective for Detroit as a situational pitcher or logging whole innings.
This season he earned $2.8 million, and a similar amount next year would be nice investment for Detroit.
Chris Perez
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The Detroit organization knows Perez well from his days pitching with the Indians.
The righty has plenty of late-inning experience (133 career saves) and would not demand a closer’s salary from the Tigers. In fact, this season he earned a modest $2.3 million with the Dodgers.
At 29, Perez still has plenty of gas in the tank. According to Brooks Baseball, his fastball averaged a very respectable 95 mph in 2014.
I’m not suggesting that Perez would be panacea to Detroit’s relief pitching problems—far from it. But a player with more career saves than Joel Hanrahan, Grant Balfour and Jim Johnson could fill a role for them out of the pen.
To talk baseball, hit me up on Twitter: @jdunc1979
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