The Tigers have signed first baseman Frank Schwindel to a minor league contract, as first reported by Roster Roundup (Twitter link).
Schwindel, 26, is no stranger to the American League Central, having spent the first six full seasons of his career in the Royals organization. Schwindel actually broke camp with the Royals in 2019 and made his Major League debut in March, but he was given just 15 plate appearances over the course of six games before being optioned back to Triple-A and ultimately designated for assignment.
A career .293/.330/.499 hitter in 1038 Triple-A plate appearances, Schwindel is fresh off a 24-homer campaign in Omaha last season. He’ll give the Tigers some depth at what has been a weak point in the organization. There’s no immediate need at the big league level with Miguel Cabrera and John Hicks holding down the position, but Schwindel will presumably head to Triple-A Toledo and receive fairly regular playing time. In the event of an injury to one of Cabrera or Hicks, he could resurface with his former division rivals. Alternatively, given that the Tigers don’t have an established designated hitter anymore following Victor Martinez’s retirement, Schwindel could earn a look in that role if he impresses in Toledo.
I wish Royals had given him a better opportunity to succeed but hopefully he does well for the tigers
1B Brandon Dixon is one of the only Tigers hitting well.
1B Frank Schwindel isn’t hitting at AAA and doesn’t know the strike zone but, the Tigers MiLB 1B aren’t very good either. .
This guy sounds a lot like Max Muncy and Luke Voit. Played pretty well in the minors but hasn’t played much in the majors to really show a lot of talent. Maybe if the tigers give him some time he could turn out like those guys
No risk here so why not? Personally, I’d like to see the Tigers look into Dominic Smith. His PT is blocked in NY due to Alonso. I have to imagine he could be had for a reasonably low cost. Lefty 1B who can take a walk and hit a little. Yes pls.
I agree, I like the idea of Smith and his LH bat in Detroit.
I love AAAA players……and have seen a lot of them go through the Tiger’s system over the years.