
Scott Harris has yet to make a decision on Jeimer Candelario’s future
Jeimer Candelario has one year of arbitration remaining before he becomes a free agent. He is projected to make about $7 million in arbitration. Because of that and his lackluster 2022 season, many people, us included, feel like his time with the Detroit Tigers will come to an end this offseason. But Harris has yet to make a decision on him.
Scott Harris on Jeimer Candelario: "He's still a very talented player...We haven't made any decisions on whether he's going to be part of the team moving forward, but it's certainly something we're looking at."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) November 9, 2022
Given the previous two season prior to 2022, it’s possible that this past year was an anomaly. He put up a 3.8 bWAR in 2021, and had a great shortened season in 2020. He could be a bounce back candidate.
But in order for that to work, the Detroit Tigers will have to take a calculated risk—that would mean bringing him back on a lower salary. Given that there aren’t very many options out there for third baseman—in free agency or in trades—this could be a real possibility.
Other nuggets from Scott Harris
Before we wrap this up, here are a few other nuggets from Scott Harris’ presser. First of all, it sure sounds like Miguel Cabrera’s days as an everyday player are over. Harris explained that he has a plan for Miggy in 2023, and it sounds like him playing once a series or so is definitely part of that plan.
Harris still maintains that he is in no hurry to hire a GM, which makes sense. He’s got a lot on his plate right now. My guess is that we won’t see a GM hire until after the new year.
Lastly, he talked about Comerica Park’s dimensions. He had no real update to share on that, but he did say that he’s taking everyone’s opinions into consideration—both pitchers and hitters.