Detroit Tigers: Three Free Agent Batters Team Should Sign

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila signed Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann to lengthy contracts last offseason. With Detroit looking to shed payroll this winter, here are three intriguing free agents.

Detroit Tigers fans have seen some extreme spending in years past. From monster deals handed out to the likes of Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander to relatively smaller deals given to players like Mark Lowe and Mike Pelfrey, Detroit hasn’t been shy about investing money.

Now, general manager Al Avila is looking to shed payroll through trades.

Ideally, the Tigers will find takers for Anibal Sanchez, Lowe and Pelfrey. However, the reality is that players like J.D. Martinez, Victor Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez may be easier to move.

Detroit’s depth improved last year, but it still isn’t at the point where the franchise can fully withstand moving both the Martinez sluggers.

That being said, the free agent market could be an interesting avenue to add some extra depth to fill out the Tigers roster.

Some of these players may not make the same impact as some of Detroit’s stars, but they’ll add value to the team all the same.

Here are three free agent batters the Detroit Tigers should sign.

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.

Next: Teams Reportedly Interested in Sanchez, Pelfrey

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.