Detroit Tigers: 3 ways to address the shortstop predicament

Aug 8, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Willi Castro (9) chases a ball hit by Cleveland Indians catcher Austin Hedges (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Willi Castro (9) chases a ball hit by Cleveland Indians catcher Austin Hedges (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
Aug 4, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers’ third baseman Luis Urias (2) reacts between innings during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers trade for IF Luis Urias: Milwaukee Brewers

Willy Adames has taken over shortstop for the Brewers and the trade for Eduardo Escobar from Arizona has put Urias from third into a utility type of player, which manager AJ Hinch is a fan of, and the Tigers Director of Player Development is Kenny Graham, who was with the Brewers prior to coming to Detroit.

At shortstop, he has a DRS of -3, which is meh but he is plus 2 at second and plus 7 at third base. His slash line of .235/.332/.416 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI would make him the leader among the Tigers infielders and he has a wRC+ of 102 this season.  What is important to note is that he has increased his hard-hit contact from 2019 (the context behind this versus 202 since he has seen 1,030 pitches) from 31.4% to 39% this season. He is also walking around an 11% clip.

His split between lefties and righties is not much different if you are looking at hitting for average but he has more power against right-handers.  Originally he came over in 2019 from San Diego along with LHP Eric Lauer for RF Trent Grisham and RHP Zach Davies.

Urias fits that “change of scene” idea that it could help him long-term and he doesn’t turn 25 until next June. This is another bat in my opinion the Tigers should look into trading for in the winter.

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