Detroit Tigers: A look at potential free agent signings

Here is a look at the upcoming offseason and which free agents the Detroit Tigers have a realistic shot at signing for the 2020 season.

After an abysmal 2019 season, the Detroit Tigers need to make some moves during the offseason to avoid facing a similar fate in 2020. While they will undoubtedly see some new young players from within the organization, they will also look towards the free-agent market for some veteran assistance.

Detroit won’t be the first choice for many of the top-tier free agents such as Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg, but that doesn’t mean other players won’t consider it as a viable option. There are plenty of veteran free agents that could help Detroit during their rebuild. Here are the three that seem the most likely for the Tigers to pursue.

Adeiny Hechavarria

Since he debuted in 2012, Adeiny Hechavarria has appeared on seven different teams. While he hasn’t had the most spectacular career, he has still been a productive player, hitting .253 for his career and amassing a 5.5 WAR. Hechavarria is mostly known for his defensive abilities, however. With Jordy Mercer and Gordon Beckham gone, Detroit will need a middle-infielder and Hechavarria could help fill this role.

Logan Forsythe

Logan Forsythe is in the same vein as Hechavarria. He is a veteran infielder who has been all around the league during his career. Forsythe even boasts similar stats to Hechavarria, hitting .246 over the course of his career with a 12.5 WAR. Signing him would serve the same purpose as signing Hechavarria, he could fill a spot on the infield while helping younger players grow and develop.

Jonathan Lucroy

While Detroit would love to name Jake Rogers and Grayson Greiner as their future catchers, their performances have been inconsistent so far. Bringing in a veteran catcher like Jonathan Lucroy could provide a veteran presence that will help the young catchers grow and develop. Having a veteran catcher could also help the development of the young pitchers on the team. Lucroy has had a solid career, but his numbers have shown a harsh decline in recent years, so he may be worth a look.

There are plenty of other free agents worth consideration for Detroit, but these three seem to be more likely than others. Detroit is more focused on developing young talent within their organization than looking elsewhere to find talent. Finding cheap free agents that can eat up innings and help mentor young players is what they will look for, and all three of these players fit that bill.