Detroit Tigers: 5 biggest needs heading into the offseason

Outfielder

Of all the positions where the Detroit Tigers could add some offense this offseason, the outfield makes the most sense. It’s also a position that is going to see a lot of turnover, with players like Victor Reyes, Willi Castro, and Daz Cameron all on their way out.

They need someone who can provide a spark offensively, one way or another. I’m not asking them to go out and sign Aaron Judge (though that would be nice). But please, sign someone who can provide some firepower.

Joc Pederson would be perfect. It would probably be a short-term deal and wouldn’t be too expensive. Plus, Harris is familiar with him from his time in San Francisco, so it’s a move that makes sense. If you would rather have a right-handed hitter since the Tigers have a plethora of lefties, how about Mitch Haniger? Yes, he’s injury prone, but when he’s healthy, he’s an outstanding hitter.

I’ve vouched for Brandon Nimmo in the past. He doesn’t hit for a ton of power, but he walks a lot and doesn’t strike out. He also plays stellar defense in the outfield.

There are a couple of interesting young outfielders internally that may not have a spot next year in Akil Baddoo and Kerry Carpenter. Baddoo just simply didn’t well enough, and it seems like he could start next year in Toledo barring another 2021-esque spring training.

Carpenter hit better than expected at every level in 2022, but like I mentioned previously, they have a ton of left-handed hitting outfielders. Riley Greene, Austin Meadows, Baddoo, and Carpenter are all left-handed. It’s going to be hard to keep all four of those guys. Meadows and Greene are all but guarenteed to be safe, but at least one of Baddoo and Carpenter is probably going to have to begin the year in Triple-A.

The Detroit Tigers desparately need some offense, and the outfield seems to be the best place add it.