Detroit Tigers: How My Free Agent Suggestions Are Faring This Spring

The Detroit Tigers outfield was indefensible last season, ranking 28th in WAR across the league. To fix that, they’d need a player or two that could bring some more thump and cover some more ground. Enter Jackie Bradley Jr–well-regarded for his defensive prowess and improved bat at the plate.

Offensively, Bradley carries some of the same characteristics as the aforementioned Santana. Some pop, a modest average, and the ability to get on base. The reason Bradley would be more valuable than Santana, however, is his defense, which has been above replacement level across all of his full seasons as he has shown versatility in the grass.

Should the Detroit Tigers Have Signed Jackie Bradley Jr.?

Sure, but as with Santana, it seems as though MLB Trade Rumors may have underestimated his market a bit. Their prediction was a 2-year, $16 million contract, but he’d ultimately sign with the Milwaukee Brewers for 2 years and $24 million. Eating up over half of the Tigers’ apparent offseason budget.

All things similar, Bradley would have made the team better, therefore a signing makes sense. But given the financial constraints and the number of needs the club had to fill, it made sense for them to pass.

Here is how JBJ is doing thus far in his shortened spring (remember, he did not sign until early March with Milwaukee):

Crazy enough, Rule 5 selection Akil Baddoo has done a lot of what I would have hoped Jackie Bradley Jr. could do for the Detroit Tigers thus far in spring.