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Detroit Tigers: Free agent shortstop depth options if Jose Iglesias is traded

By Ben Rosener |
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base to turn a double play over Steven Souza Jr. #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first inning of a game on April 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base to turn a double play over Steven Souza Jr. #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first inning of a game on April 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers fans could conceivably see shortstop Jose Iglesias traded this offseason. If that happens, the team could be in need of some added depth at the position.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias had another strong defensive season in 2017.

Iglesias finished fourth among all Major League players in Def, or defensive runs above average with a 14.3 number.

Were the Tigers a contending team, Iglesias would be a long-term answer in the Motor City.

However, the reality is that Detroit is rebuilding.

That coupled with Iglesias’ contract, which according to Spotrac will expire after the 2018 season, makes the veteran a conceivable trade chip.

The former Red Sox player is perhaps, hypothetically speaking, more likely to be dealt than second baseman Ian Kinsler considering Detroit has a ready-made replacement for Iglesias in Dixon Machado.

Dixon Machado

While Machado can also also play second base, his long-term home should be at shortstop, where he offers a similar skillset to Iglesias in terms of being more than a capable fielder.

Machado hit .259 with a .302 on-base percentage and a .319 slugging percentage. The shortstop also added a 64 wRC+ and a .273 wOBA.

In the long run, it would obviously be ideal if the 25-year-old can hit more.

While that could come down the line, it is conceivable Detroit could need a veteran insurance policy to deputize for Machado in case the younger shortstop struggles at times.

Said insurance policy could come from the free agent market.

This year’s free agent, shortstop class isn’t particularly deep. Zack Cozart may be the only starting-option of the bunch.

However, there are a number of players who could step in to play a complimentary role to Machado.

It’s also possible that some of these players could see time at second base as well if Kinsler is traded sometime during the coming months.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles makes a throw to first base for the first out of the third inning to force out Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals (not pictured) during the third inning at Nationals Park on May 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles makes a throw to first base for the first out of the third inning to force out Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals (not pictured) during the third inning at Nationals Park on May 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /

J.J. Hardy

It remains to be seen if Hardy will become a free agent this winter.

According to Spotrac, the 35-year-old Baltimore shortstop has a $14 million club option on his contract for 2018 with a $2 million buyout.

Should Hardy reach the free agent market, he’d be an intriguing fit as a bench piece on a short-term deal for the Detroit Tigers.

No longer the double-digit home run threat he was in his earlier years with the Brewers and Orioles, the veteran can still provide some pop.

Hardy averaged 21 doubles and eight home runs over the last four seasons, turning in respective ISO numbers of .106, .138, .092 and .104.

The shortstop can still provide value in the field as well.

Prior to an injury-shortened 2017, Hardy had rattled off three seasons with a UZR/150 north of 10.0 and a DRS of at least +4.

In fact, +4 was the shortstop’s lowest DRS output since 2014 as he went for a +10 number and a +6 stat in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Stephen Drew

A key bench cog for the Washington Nationals the last two seasons, Drew wasn’t nearly as productive at the plate in 2017 (106 plate appearances, 70 wRC+, .285 wOBA, .302 on-base percentage and a .105 ISO) as he was in 2016 (165 plate appearances, 124 wRC+, .362 wOBA, .339 on-base percentage and a .259 ISO).

Still, he has enough offensive ability to be a utility player in Detroit.

Drew has significant experience at all three infield positions not called first base. He could be a useful bench piece and a potential trade chip if he can replicate his 2016 statline.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 13: Erick Aybar #8 of the San Diego Padres steals second base as Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game on September 13, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 13: Erick Aybar #8 of the San Diego Padres steals second base as Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game on September 13, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Erick Aybar

Aybar showed well at the plate down the stretch in 2016 for the Detroit Tigers. Following a mid-season trade from Atlanta, the veteran turned in a .341 on-base percentage and an 87 wRC+ in 91 plate appearance, but moved on in the offseason.

He didn’t light the world on fire in his first stint with San Diego, turning in a 74 wRC+ and a .282 wOBA in 370 plate appearances.

However, he was weighed down by a .262 BABIP and did manage to turn in a .114 ISO that was his best mark in the category since 2012.

As a bench cog and occasional starter at shortstop, second base or third base, Aybar makes plenty of sense as a depth piece for the Detroit Tigers.

Adam Rosales

Like Drew and Aybar, Rosales can play multiple infield positions. In this case, the former Athletic can play all four infield positions.

His glove work at shortstop won’t win him any awards, as Rosales turned in a -6 DRS, and a -4.0 UZR in 514 defensive innings at the position in 2017.

Still, the Western Michigan product brings some pop (.128 ISO, four home runs in 312 plate appearances) to a position that is generally devoid of it.

Next: Hypothetical trade time!

If Rosales can replicate his 2016 numbers—.814 OPS, 13 home runs.266 ISO, 115 wRC+ and a .340 wOBA—he’d make for an excellent backup to Machado.

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