First Things First: Should the Detroit Tigers Bring In a First Baseman?

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This offseason already has Detroit Tigers fans buzzing. The trade for Tucker Barnhart may not seem like a big deal to many, but to Tigers fans, it’s a giant pounce in the right direction.

With rumors aplenty of the Detroit Tigers potentially signing some big-name free agents, one position remains a question mark, at least until Spencer Torkelson comes up. Who should man first base?

Jonathan Schoop played 114 games at first for Detroit in 2021, while Miguel Cabrera played 44 games.

Schoop was signed as, and can still play second base. Willi Castro, Issac Paredes, Niko Goodrum, and Harold Castro all seem to be good utility players, but none have earned that everyday spot at the major leagues. At least not yet. That means Schoop will seemingly be back at second full time when a certain prospect named Spencer Torkelson makes his debut and becomes the Tigers’ first baseman for years to come.

That takes the Detroit Tigers out of the market for Freddie Freeman, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber, but a second-tier guy could definitely be a nice addition. Let’s take a look at a few of the free-agent or trade options at first base the Tigers could consider.

Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) high-gives third baseman Travis Shaw (23) after scoring a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential Detroit Tigers Free Agent Targets

Brandon Belt

The San Francisco Giants shocked the world this past season by having the best record in baseball. Belt was a major reason why. He only played 97 games because of injury, but when he was on the field he was productive. He smacked 29 home runs and had an OPS of .975. Heading into his mid-30s, Belt won’t get the big-money free-agent deal at this point in his career.

Another plus is he has outfield experience, and could easily be slotted out there in a pinch, or if the situation calls for it. If Torkelson comes up and Belt is playing well, then some outfield competition is a good problem to have. The biggest issue concerning a potential Belt deal is the length of the contract.

While he won’t get the four or five-year deal, he will probably get at least three years. That may add a little bit too much cluster after this coming season. Another option Belt has is to accept the qualifying offer he received from the Giants. Then another issue would arise if the Tigers were to sign him, and that would be the loss of a draft pick.

Travis Shaw

Travis Shaw had a down year between Milwaukee and Boston in 2021. Shaw is a definite buy-low candidate, who could impress and stick in the lineup. He is another player who could spell the Tigers at various positions, including second base. He may even be available on a minor league deal. Shaw is someone who fits the temporary bill very well which the Tigers seek until Torkelson is major league ready.

Mitch Moreland

The former Athletic, Padre, Red Sox, and Ranger is a 12-year major league vet on the downswing of his career. He only managed 10 homers in 229 at-bats this past season. He’ll be 36 in 2022, and could be the type of veteran bat off the bench and at first base who could help this young team start to compete for over 162 games.

Oct 7, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Daniel Vogelbach (right) laughs during NLDS workouts. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers Trade Candidates

Ji-Man Choi

The Tigers could get creative and trade for a controllable player and see if they fit the team dynamic, and could always cut bait if the experiment doesn’t work out via trade or release. One of those players has found himself in Tampa Bay the last few years after bouncing around the league a bit. Choi’s got experience hitting all over the lineup, first, third, sixth, etc. Tampa Bay has a litany of arbitration-eligible players that won’t all be tendered a contract. Choi is expected to earn about $3.4 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. Might be a situation where the Tigers can get Choi for cheap, in which case they should hop all over the chance. If Choi winds up getting non-tendered by Tampa Bay, then he could be available as a free agent as well.

Daniel Vogelbach

Vogelbach was an all-star back in 2019 with the Mariners, but it feels like a lifetime ago at this point. This past season in Milwaukee the left-handed hitting slugger only mustered 9 home runs and 24 runs batted in 215 at-bats. This is another player who could be traded before the non-tender deadline to the Tigers for cheap if they want to take a flyer on him, or wait to see if he is cut loose by Milwaukee. A reason the Brewers may hang onto Daniel is if the universal designated hitter becomes a reality in both the American and National Leagues in 2022.

All of these players would be placeholders until Spencer is ready, but all could make a case to stay in the lineup easily with good play. All have the potential to contribute and help the Tigers become a more well-rounded squad. Do I think the team should ultimately go out and get one of these players? If the price is right, why not?

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