Detroit Tigers: Should they sign free agent Ryan Schimpf?

The Detroit Tigers could use some ‘oomph’ in their lineup. Slugger Ryan Schimpf was released by the Angels, and could be a low-cost option to pursue.

The Detroit Tigers have the opportunity to add a free agent who has the potential to hit 30 home runs in a season. In fact, across 147 big league games, infielder Ryan Schimpf has already amassed 35 round-trippers. That kind of power is rarely available on the cheap, and when it is there is always a catch.

In this case, the catch is Schimpf’s abhorrent slash line. For his career, which spans across three partial seasons, the 30-year-old has hit .195/.318/.496. That’s pretty bad. There’s also the small issue where he strikes out in literally 33.3% of his at-bats.

Schimpf is the epitome of a three true outcomes player. The three true outcomes are striking out, drawing a walk or hitting a home run. Adam Dunn was the poster boy for this during his career, although former Tiger Rob Deer helped popularize the concept in the 1990’s.

In 534 career plate appearances, Schimpf has struck out 178 times (33.3%) walked 71 times (13.3%) and homered 35 times (6.5%). That adds up to 284 instances, or 53.2% of his plate appearances.

Still, despite his flaws the Tigers should absolutely look into snatching Schimpf up on a minor league deal.

Saving Private Ryan Schimpf

At 30 years old, Schimpf is hardly a prospect. However, the Tigers are seriously hurting around the infield and Schimpf could provide very valuable depth as a one year rental. With Jeimer Candelario and Miguel Cabrera currently on the DL, the Tigers have been starting John Hicks and Pete Kozma in the infield. While Hicks has looked solid, the combination of Kozma and Niko Goodrum leaves quite a bit to be desired.

Schimpf has big league experience playing second base (581 innings) third base (515 innings) and all three outfield positions (14 innings). He is not regarded as a great defender, but is capable of filling in around the infield. His experience at second base is particularly appealing.

The Tigers are almost certainly going to trade Jose Iglesias before the July 31 trade deadline. Not doing so would mean getting nothing in return for the impending free agent. When Iglesias is traded, the Tigers will likely shift Dixon Machado back to his more natural position at shortstop. That will open up a hole at second base.

Goodrum and Kozma are both options to fill that hole, although both are uninspiring to say the least. Prospect Dawel Lugo is the most likely candidate, although his .260/.263/.338 line at Triple-A Toledo is equally uninspiring. Ronny Rodriguez and Kody Eaves represent other options, with both having their flaws.

Schimpf wouldn’t necessarily come in and immediately start at second base, but he adds more depth at second and third for a Detroit Tigers team that could use it. Additionally, he does have some experience in the outfield, which is always a bonus.

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Verdict

The Detroit Tigers, like any rebuilding team, should be exploring every option they can to add depth and improve their club. Schimpf is by no means elite, but he has elite power and should be given a chance to put it on display in the Motor City.