How the Detroit Tigers can take their front office approach to free agency

The Detroit Tigers shouldn’t shy from turnover

Playing baseball on the world’s biggest stage is competitive and cutthroat in many ways. When one’s team finishes near the bottom of the standings after an expected and measurable improvement, changes should go beyond crossing fingers and making mechanical adjustments.

If the rebuild is indeed over and the Detroit Tigers are going to do what they can to build a competitive product in short order, this roster simply will not do. Bench options are galore and the team will need decisions on several in the infield and outfield as they begin to fill needs.

Luckily, deciding a player isn’t in the plans for the roster to begin the season doesn’t have to mean cutting ties altogether. For many, they may have minor league options available (think Ryan Kreidler or Kerry Carpenter) that would allow them to be depth pieces in the event of injury or absence. These players have value, but starting each in Toledo would be prudent if the goal is competitiveness.

However, just as the Tigers parted ways with many longtime staffers, the team should not be afraid to ‘lose’ players if it is in the best interest of the organization and its relevance to their major league club.