Detroit Tigers: Should they bring back Javier Betancourt?

Former Detroit Tigers prospect Javier Betancourt was just released by the Brewers. Should the Tigers give him another chance?

While the Detroit Tigers have one of the strongest farm systems they’ve ever had, they are still lacking in a couple key areas. One of their biggest weaknesses is the middle infield. While they acquired four middle infielders at last year’s trade deadline, only one of them (Isaac Paredes) is in the organization’s top ten rankings.

Detroit has a handful of other middle infielders, including Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara, Kody Eaves, Ronny Rodriguez and Jose King, who all have a chance to contribute at the big league level. However, middle infielders are always at a premium. It’s important for Detroit to have plenty of middle infield options. And the Detroit Tigers have an opportunity not only to add to their middle infield depth, but to do so by bringing back an old friend – 23 year old second baseman Javier Betancourt

Who is Javier Betancourt?

The Tigers signed Javier Betancourt as a 16-year-old on August 18, 2011 out of Venezuela. He debuted in organized ball in 2014 with Single-A West Michigan, hitting .269/.307/.344 with six home runs and nine stolen bases – not bad for a 19-year-old.

Although he wasn’t quite as good at High-A Lakeland the following year, he still posted a solid .263/.304/.336 line despite being nearly three years younger than the league average.

Then, the Tigers shipped him and a player to be named later (eventually Manny Pina) to the Brewers in exchange for closer Francisco Rodriguez.

While that trade certainly didn’t pan out for Detroit, Betancourt’s development stalled while he was fermenting with the Brewers. At one point, Betancourt was ranked in Milwaukee’s top 30 prospects, peaking at number 23. However, he only hit a measly .233/.286/.344 with 11 home runs and six steals in 217 games over the last two years at Double-A.

A homecoming for Javier

Fed up with his poor results, the Brewers just released Betancourt, now 23. Betancourt suffered a gunshot wound in his native Venezuela last November, although he avoided any serious injuries. It is unclear if that injury is still preventing him from playing, although reports at the time seemed to indicate it was fairly minor.

Assuming he is healthy enough to play, the Tigers should consider giving Betancourt a minor league deal. While he has not hit all that well the last two years, he is still regarded as a strong defender at second base.

Plus, his offense peaked while with the Tigers organization. Perhaps a reunion (although he’d likely play at Double-A) will help him get back on track. He’s still just 23, and good defensive infielders are not easy to come by.

Next: Trade Options Between the Tigers and Mariners

Minor league free agents are a rebuilding team’s dream. While most don’t pan out, it is a very low-cost way to build your farm system. And, every once in a while, a team strikes gold. Detroit has done it in the past with J.D. Martinez. While Betancourt likely isn’t on that level, he has had success in Detroit’s farm system in the past. It’s certainly worth seeing if he can find that again.