Detroit Tigers: Three Free Agent Batters Team Should Sign

Eric Thames

Position: Outfielder
2016 Team: NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization
2016 Stat of Note: 118 RBI

The Korean Baseball Organization isn’t up to Major League Baseball standards in terms of competition, but it remains one of the better professional leagues outside of North America.

Despite the drop off in competition, it’s hard to ignore Thames numbers since joining the NC Dinos prior to 2014.

In three seasons with the team, the former Major League outfielder mashed 124 home runs and 101 doubles in 388 games. What’s more, he also added 379 RBI and 342 runs scored while batting a robust .348.

Thames isn’t likely to replicate those kinds of gaudy numbers in the Majors, but he could be an intriguing source of power.

The 30-year-old turned in a promising debut season with the Blue Jays, batting .262 with 58 runs scored, 37 RBI, 24 doubles, 12 home runs and five triples in just 95 games. However, he struggled in his second season.

Overall, Thames hit .250 with a .296 on-base percentage, 85 runs scored, 62 RBI, 36 doubles, 21 home runs and eight triples in 181 career games.

Potential Fit in with the Detroit Tigers

Not only have the outfielder’s power numbers in Korea been impressive, he’s also picked up a knack for getting on base. After posting a .296 on-base percentage with the M’s and Jays, Thames logged a .450 number overseas.

That number included Thames output from 2015, when he drew more walks (103) than punch outs (91) in a 142-game schedule.

The 30-year-old’s ability to get on base and drive the ball would certainly help Detroit should the likes of J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton and Victor Martinez end up moving on.

Luis Valbuena

Position: Infielder
2016 Team: Houston Astros
2016 Stat of Note: 2.6 WAR

One of baseball’s more versatile fielders, Luis Valbuena has significant experience at all four infield positions.

What’s more, he isn’t your typical utility player either.

In 90 games (292 at-bats) for the American League West club last season, the eight-year veteran posted a .357 on-base percentage. He also chipped in with 40 RBI, 38 runs scored, 17 doubles and 13 home runs.

Valbuena also graded out favorably with more advanced statistics, checking in with a 123 wRC+ and a .199 ISO.

Potential Fit in with the Detroit Tigers

Obviously, the former Astro would be an excellent fit as a utility option off the bench. His pop certainly makes him appealing in the role that Mike Aviles and Erick Aybar tried to fill last season.

However thanks to solid wRC+ and ISO numbers, Valbuena could step in as a regular contributor for the Tigers.

Should Ian Kinsler be moved, the 30-year-old represents a solid fall-back plan, while also serving as an offensive upgrade over Dixon Machado and Andrew Romine.

Additionally, should Victor Martinez be dealt, Brad Ausmus can utilize Valbuena across the infield while giving Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Nick Castellanos and Jose Iglesias games at designated hitter to keep them fresh.

Desmond Jennings

Position: Outfielder
2016 Team: Tampa Bay Rays
2016 Stat of Note 0.9 BsR

Desmond Jennings is a talented player with the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. However, 2016 wasn’t exactly his year.

In 65 games with the Rays, the outfielder batted just .200 with 20 RBI, 15 extra-base hits and a .281 on-base percentage.

Should the Tigers sign the former top prospect, it would be as a low-risk, high-reward situation.

In the past, Jennings has certainly showcased the ability to make an impact in the Majors. From 2011 to 2014, he collected a .327 on-base percentage while averaging 114 games played per season.

His other per-season averages over the same span included 110 hits, 69 runs scored, 40 RBI, 22 doubles, 22 stolen bases, 12 home runs and five triples.

Additionally, the former Ray notched a total WAR of 11.8 during the four-year run.

If he can post similar numbers in Detroit, Jennings will be more than worth taking a flier on.

Potential Fit in with the Detroit Tigers

As of now, the Detroit Tigers best options in center field include JaCoby Jones, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose. Wynton Bernard could also play a part, but that’s about it.

With so many unproven options, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to throw Jennings into the mix as another choice for Ausmus and Avila.

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The longtime Tampa Bay player could also add value as a base runner thanks to a career 21.2 BsR and a lifetime 12.8 UBR.