Detroit Tigers: Anthony Rizzo would be short-term lefty at first base

First Baseman Anthony Rizzo meets Detroit Tigers’ needs.

The Detroit Tigers are looking to meet their needs and make changes that will positively impact the organization’s trajectory. The new regime is in town and making changes to start getting things in motion.

One of the things that Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations mentioned during his GM Meetings interview was that they want to make a few changes this offseason. He went more into detail about the team needs they anticipate handling this offseason.

Sticking with Harris’ promise of keeping things clear and upfront, he divulged that the Tigers will be looking at adding an infielder who swings it from the left side. He also divulged that the team would like a short-term fix at first base.

While these are vague-ish statements, the Tigers may consider meeting both needs with one player. There are decisions to be made, but the Tigers may want to capitalize on the free agent market and the thin market for left-handed hitting infielders.

The market for lefty infielders is made up mostly of first basemen, which may mean that Anthony Rizzo becomes a target. There is a chance that Rizzo would fit both of the needs the Tigers are looking to fill.

The holdup with someone like Rizzo is Cabrera still being around with the organization and believing that Torkelson will still be fine in due time. But, it may not be the worst for a three-man rotation of Rizzo and Torkelson at first base, with Rizzo also getting some time as a designated hitter with Cabrera getting days off.

The Tigers should be looking to try and bring Rizzo in after he exercised his opt-out from the New York Yankees. The Yankees extended him a Qualifying Offer (QO), but the Tigers could still be interested in pursuing the Florida-born left-hander.

There’s still some power in the tank from the 32-year-old’s swing. He slashed .224/.338/.480 with 21 doubles and 32 home runs for 75 RBI in the Bronx. The thing with Rizzo is that he may be looking for a longer-term contract to join an organization elsewhere.

But maybe there is room to bring in Rizzo on a one-year deal that suits his fancy, adding that left-handed bat with some pop to it. It’s not a move that jumps off the page with both sides being made for one another, but it’s an option.

The Tigers are going to get creative this off-season. After all, they said they plan to meet with every agent possible to find the right players. Getting Rizzo this offseason should be on the radar, at a minimum.