Detroit Tigers: Three More Potential Free Agent Fits

Detroit Tigers fans have seen the team make relatively minor moves this offseason. However, the team signed its first Major League free agent last week in Alex Avila. Here are three free agent fits.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has made just a few significant moves since the 2016 season ended.

The general manager traded Cameron Maybin to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to save money. In return, Detroit netted hard-throwing pitcher Victor Alcantara.

Additionally, Alex Avila returned to the organization on a one-year contract.

In an offseason in which the team has brought in plenty of minor league free agents, bringing back the veteran catcher represented Detroit’s first Major League free agent signing of the offseason.

Will the Tigers sign any more players to Major League deals? That remains to be seen.

However, if the Tigers do sign a Major League free agent, it probably won’t be one of the bigger names left on the free agent market.

Despite that, it wouldn’t be a total shock to see the team add a complimentary piece or a buy-low free agent—although that’s purely speculative.

Here are three free agents remaining on the market who could be a fit with the Detroit Tigers during the 2017 season.

Trevor Plouffe
Position: Infielder/Outfielder
Age: 30
2016 Stat of Note: 91 wRC+

Another potential bench bat for the Detroit Tigers, Trevor Plouffe would be an interesting candidate to play a super-sub role.

The former Minnesota Twin has experience at all four infield positions, not to mention some brief playing time in the outfield corners.

Potential Fit with the Detroit Tigers

While most utility players are more glove-first options for managers, Plouffe would give Brad Ausmus a player capable of providing some pop at multiple positions.

Since the beginning of the 2012 season, the former first-round pick has averaged 64 RBI, 56 runs scored, 26 doubles, 17 home runs and two triples per year.

Plouffe isn’t the same as Romine in terms of being a strong defender at multiple positions. However, his defensive flexibility brings plenty of value to the table.

In terms of a potential role with the Tigers, the infielder could be an extremely valuable bench cog. Similar to Lind, he would be one of the first bats off the bench in a late-game scenario. What’s more, he could serve as the top backup to Nick Castellanos, Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera and Jose Iglesias.

The veteran’s defensive versatility would also give Ausmus much more flexibility during games.

Joe Smith
Position: Relief Pitcher
Age: 32
2016 Stat of Note: 8.5 Swinging Strike Percentage

Since entering the Majors in 2007, Joe Smith has done nothing but throw quality innings.

The reliever has pitched to a 2.93 ERA and a 3.65 FIP in 570.2 innings spread over 10 seasons pitching at the game’s highest level. Those 10 years included stints with the New York Mets, Cleveland, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Chicago Cubs.

All told, the veteran relief pitcher hast struck out 7.5 batters per nine innings while surrendering just 0.6 walks per nine frames.

In 52 innings split between the Halos and the World Series champs, the 32-year-old logged a 3.46 ERA. He also punched out 6.9 batters per nine innings while walking just 18 total hitters.

Potential Fit with the Detroit Tigers

The Tigers already have plenty of relief options, but adding a proven commodity like the former Met to the mix would certainly improve the team’s bullpen.

Smith could provide consistent innings for Detroit, taking the pressure off the likes of Shane Greene, Mark Lowe and Bruce Rondon.

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All things considered, the right-hander probably isn’t a candidate to close games, but he could develop into one of Detroit’s top setup men in building a bridge to Francisco Rodriguez.