Detroit Tigers: 3 free agent shortstop options they could pursue

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 19: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins slides safely into second base as Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers fields the ball during the eighth inning of the game on August 19, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 19: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins slides safely into second base as Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers fields the ball during the eighth inning of the game on August 19, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – JULY 8: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers makes the throw to first base during the sixth inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park on July 8, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Jose Iglesias

The first option is the simplest: bring Jose Iglesias back. General manager Al Avila made it clear they don’t envision Iglesias as a part of the team’s future, and that is why no contract extension conversations took place during the season. However, after seeing the ghastly performances from Ronny Rodriguez and Dixon Machado last season, it is clear the team needs a stopgap shortstop for at least another year – maybe two.

Of course, Iggy may want to spread his wings and find himself on a team that isn’t headed for another 90 loss season. The problem is that most, actually all, contending teams are pretty darn set at the shortstop spot. Iggy would have to settle for a utility infielder role on a contending team. While I have no doubt that he would excel in that role, teams are not going to want to pay a light-hitting utility infielder much, even if he possesses one of the best gloves on planet earth.

As such, Iggy’s best chance to earn significant playing time and get paid as a starter might be by staying in Detroit.

For the Tigers, brining Iggy back gives them someone they are familiar with at a key position, while affording them the opportunity to let younger shortstop options like Willi Castro and Sergio Alcantara continue to develop. If one of them is ready by midseason, the Tigers can shop Iggy once again and see if they can get a prospect or two back. If not, they can play this same game again at the end of the season.