The Tigers are looking to add an outfielder — preferably, a right-handed-hitting outfielder that could play every day — general manager Al Avila told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (links to Twitter).
The obvious names that jump to mind when considering that description are Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes, each of whom ranks near the top of MLBTR’s list of top 50 free agents this winter. However, each player figures to command an annual salary north of $20MM, and with the Tigers also intent on adding multiple starting pitchers as well as multiple bullpen arms, one has to wonder if adding a player of that magnitude will leave Avila and his staff with the necessary flexibility to address the pitching staff. A more affordable option — and one with which the Tigers are plenty familiar — would be Austin Jackson. The switch-hitting Dexter Fowler would figure to fit somewhere between those two tiers.
Trade scenarios will also arise for the Tigers, and Fenech quoted Avila in an earlier column today, stating, “I don’t think you’re going to be able to fill everything through free agency.” While none of this grouping has been specifically tied to Detroit, we’ve already seen names like Marcell Ozuna, Cameron Maybin and Jorge Soler bandied about in general trade speculation throughout the league.
Avila also said that the Tigers will consider right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma as the club searches for pitching, Fenech notes. That’s not exactly a surprising revelation, as Iwakuma is a talented arm that could provide a boost to nearly any big league rotation and doesn’t figure to be in line for an exorbitant contract. Three years is probably the ceiling on Iwakuma, given his age (35) and recent injury history, although he’s also said to be interested in a return to the Mariners, who would love to re-sign him. The Tigers are presumably at least somewhat interested in any free-agent starter that could step into the middle of their 2016 rotation alongside Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez, as there’s little certainty beyond that duo.
AJAX makes the most sense. Comerica requires another CFer in LF.
I like the idea of fowler. Weve seen the best of what jackson can give us, hes good but not great.
Why a RIGHT handed hitter? That does not make much sense as they only have 2 of 9 regular hitters that bat lefty.
That is exactly what I was thinking. French or any other writer needs to question Avila about that. Management spoke often about needing another lefty bat when they had Gose, Avila and V Mart. Now Gose, Vmart and possibly Collins off the bench are the only options.
Jay Bruce could be a fit as a left-handed right fielder with power. I don’t know that the Reds and Tigers match up well. Cincinnati drafted Matt Boyd after his junior year at Oregon State, but the Reds are in the market for hitters.
The Tigers don’t match well with anyone in trade as they have little depth to trade. Only trade option that would make any sense would be if they could get something for Kinsler, but they have no one to take his place. JD is too much of a bargain to trade. Any major acquisition will probably be thru FA this year.
I imagine that it”s because of the other lefty outfielders (Collins, Moya, Gose) so acquiring a righty would allow the platoon advantage for days off, even if the righty is the regular starter.
I like the idea of fowler he’s a switch hitter which is nice as they need more lefty bats not right handed!
I would like to see a lead off type for LF. Fowler, Span, even Gordon, players who get on base. Kinsler did fine batting 2nd, but Gose would be better 9th than 1st. It would be nice to see Cabrera batting with runners on, more often.
Fowler is interesting because the qualifying offer may hurt his market somewhat. If he can be had for 4 years 44ish M, I would be very interested.
They could use a RH OF to spell Gose or platoon with Collins, but to start? That makes little sense.
Here’s a crazy idea: trade JD Martinez for another young controllable starter, sign justin upton, sign a mid-top level starter (Zimmerman, kazmir, etc) and go soria at closer. Then you’d have Verlander, Zimmerman, young starter, Norris, and Sanchez. You’d have a lineup of iggy, kins, miggy, vmart, upton, mccann, nick, Collins/platoon, and gose. This will keep them slightly under the luxury tax, and will make them an extremely competitive team for 2016, and extends their competitive window beyond 2016
Chris Young to the Tigers
I like Soler, but would price be to high, Cubs already have a right and left fielder.
How much would Soler cost to acquire?