The Tigers announced that they have extended one-year, $15.3MM qualifying offer to impending free agents Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez. Additionally, the team announced that utility man Don Kelly and right-hander Evan Reed have been outrighted off the 40-man roster. The Tigers also announced that they have selected the contract of outfielder Wynton Bernard, adding him to the 40-man roster.
That Scherzer and Martinez — two of the top 10 free agents in the Majors — received qualifying offers comes as little surprise. Each should be in high demand this offseason, and by extending the QO, the Tigers assure themselves of receiving a compensatory draft pick at the end of the first round for each player, should he sign elsewhere as a free agent.
The 34-year-old Kelly has been with the Tigers in a utility capacity since 2009 and has posted a .234/.297/.340 in 1157 plate appearances with Detroit in that time. Kelly has seen time at every position on the diamond, including catcher and pitcher, in his career, although his lone experience at shortstop came with the Pirates in 2007 — his only Major League stint that came in a uniform other than that of the Detroit Tigers.
Reed, 28, pitched to a 4.18 ERA with 7.2 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 32 1/3 innings for the Tigers this season, and he posted similar numbers in 24 1/3 inning sample size a year prior. That Reed would clear waivers is a mild surprise, given his 96 mph average fastball velocity and fairly solid 3.78 FIP, 3.89 xFIP and 3.51 SIERA marks in addition to his 4.20 ERA. He can become a minor league free agent now by refusing his outright assignment.
These were certainly the two easiest decisions regarding a QO this season.
Don Kelly would have definitely gotten a qualifying offer.
I’m not shocked they out righted Evan Reed, but with the shape of their bullpen letting arms go seems a tad risky. Rondon and Putkonen, if they come back healthy, could potentially help a lot, but still obviously a ton of question marks
My guess is that letting Reed go had something to do with his “cougar hunting” last year that landed him in court.
Still surprising that someone who can throw this hard wasn’t claimed. Hope he stays with the organization.
I think a certain off the field issue made this decision easier.
One of the main goals stated by DD this fall was to improve our left handed hitting options. Interesting that he now releases Dirks (picked up by the Jays) and Kelly goes to Toledo. He has something (maybe big) planned by clearing the deck for new blood. I hope it is not Rasmus. So what if he hit 18 homers, he strikes out 1/3 of the time and barely hits his weight. I would like to see Ben Revere in Center and Markakis or Melky Cabrera at one of the corners. I know PEDS will keep Cabrera off his shopping list but maybe they will get Yasmany Tomas.
They need to improve balance at the bottom of their batting order.
Ben Revere doesn’t know how to take a walk and makes Don Kelly look like a power hitter. He is also not a very good center fielder. Let Philly keep him.
Cabrera would be an excellent fit, but the Tigers will have a heck of a time replacing Victor.
Maybe they’ll call the Angels and ask for Hamilton.
Putting the cuffs on Scherzer and VMart. Now who gives up the draft pick for those two?
the draft pick isn’t gonna stop anyone from pursuing Scherzer, Ryan.
Cubs and Boston for sure, possibly the Yankees and Angels also, will be in on Max.
I have little else to say other than…
Donnie Kelly Baby!
Don Kelly noooo 🙁
Nobody better claim Donnie Kelly baby. (the DK stands for Don Kelly btw :P)
He is OUR Don Kelly and even he goes somewhere else, its just going to be a for temporary vacay. He’ll be back.
Take Ben Revere…Please!