Detroit Tigers: 4 players to target in free agency this winter

Taking an early look at the free agent market for the Detroit Tigers.

Sep 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (15) pitches
Sep 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (15) pitches | Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers could consider adding Paul DeJong.

There's a caveat to this one, but if the Detroit Tigers are looking for a shortstop, it's worth considering Paul DeJong. If Javier Báez opts out and hits the free-agent market, the team will need to find a replacement up the middle.

If they want to take a cheap route, hoping to find someone who will stick for the time being, the Detroit Tigers should consider adding DeJong. The 30-year-old shortstop is a right-handed bat who spent the last seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline.

He was then released by Toronto and added by the San Francisco Giants. DeJong played in a total of 112 games last summer, where he accumulated 400 plate appearances. He slashed .207/.258/.355 with 13 doubles, a triple, and 14 home runs, managing 38 RBI as well. DeJong had 21 walks and 121 strikeouts to his credit.

He may not be the same player he was in 2019 when he was an all-star, but for the Tigers, he needs to be serviceable. If the Tigers want a cheap option to help bolster down the infield if Báez does opt out, it's worth considering.

The numbers in 2023 were not the most exciting given DeJong's past, but if Detroit brings him in, he could slide in at shortstop and allow for them to rotate in some of their bench bats or prospects, with hopes that the bat comes back around with less pressure on him in the Motor City.

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