Detroit Tigers have possibilities galore with Andy Dirks gone

Friday afternoon, outfielder Andy Dirks was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

After having back surgery in March, Dirks missed the entire 2014 season, and only appeared in 14 minor league games.

According to James Schmehl of Mlive.com,

"Dirks is eligible for arbitration this offseason and could receive a slight bump in salary in 2015 if the Blue Jays decide to tender him a contract. He earned a noticeable raise last offseason when his salary increased from $505,000 to $1.625 million in his first year of eligibility for arbitration.Dirks hit .276 with 24 home runs and 100 RBIs in 297 career games with the Tigers. He flashed potential at times and was considered a candidate to be used in a platoon in left field with Rajai Davis this past season. But a series of injuries kept him sidelined."

Dirks’ departure seems to be a foreshadow for future moves. Until Friday, his future with the Detroit Tigers was uncertain, but with him now gone a world of possibilities has appeared.

What could the Detroit brass have in mind?

That’s the million dollar question, or more appropriately a multi-million dollar question, as this sets the Tigers up to make a move in free agency. With enticing names such as Melky Cabrera, Chris Denorfia, Nori Aoki, and Colby Rasmus on the market, it’s quite possible. Uncertainty with Torii Hunter’s future could also have the team making a splash in the market.