Detroit Tigers: Now is Time to Take Fliers on Players Let Go By Other Teams

Most notably, Derek Norris has already changed teams.

The former All-Star was dealt from the San Diego Padres to the Washington Nationals in the offseason. However, Norris was let go by the Nats.

The Tampa Bay Rays announced on the team’s official Twitter on Saturday morning in a tweet that the team had signed Norris.

Tampa Bay’s official Twitter account tweeted:

"“OFFICIAL: #Rays have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent catcher Derek Norris. Corresponding move to be announced later.”"

Norris struggled in terms of batting average and reaching base in his two seasons with the Padres, but he still has brought solid pop to the game.

The backstop, who made the American League All-Star Team in 2014, wouldn’t exactly have been the best fit in Detroit due to Alex Avila and James McCann.

However, the fact that he hit the open market speaks to the fact that there are quality players available.

Roster Space

Detroit operated with a full 40-man roster for much of the offseason, but that could hypothetically change.

Should left-handed reliever Daniel Stumpf not make the team, a 40-man roster spot would open up.

Similarly, if Steven Moya can’t crack the Opening Day unit, the team could conceivably lose him on waivers, giving Detroit another roster spot to play with.

Elsewhere, if the team decides to part with expensive veterans like Mike Pelfrey (18 hits, 12 runs and six walks allowed in 13.2 spring innings) or Mark Lowe (11 hits, seven runs, three walks and two home runs allowed in 8.2 spring frames), the team would create even more 40-man roster space.

These hypothetical places could go to impressive Spring Training non-roster invitees like Arcenio Leon or Alex Presley.

Detroit can also use the free spaces to take fliers on players let go by other organizations.