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Raiding the AL Central for new Detroit Tigers

By Brendan Burke

Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) makes a throw to first base for an out during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) makes a throw to first base for an out during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers Target: Minnesota Twins IF Jorge Polanco

Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco (11) fields a ball and throws to first base for a double play against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Byron Buxton seems like the obvious choice here, but he has such a long injury history. Jorge Polanco, meanwhile, can play second base, third base, and shortstop, which would help with depth at the position for the Detroit Tigers. And he’s not a bad offensive player either.

Polanco, who made his debut in 2014, is a career .275 hitter and offers some contact and speed. He has 84 career home runs, including 33 last year, he has driven in 351 runs, and he owns a career .332 on-base percentage. Polanco is also solid on defense, with a .975 fielding percentage. He has the tools to be in any team’s starting lineup and will help a winning team compete.

Polanco could be Detroit’s second baseman of the future. Yes, Jonathan Schoop can play the position well, but you can move him to first base and have Spencer Torkelson play Designated Hitter when Miguel Cabrera retires. So instead of constantly calling up Willi Castro, Detroit could have another solid veteran in the infield to help them compete.

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