Detroit Tigers: Jean Segura worth exploring for a short-term deal

Detroit Tigers should consider targeting Jean Segura.

The Detroit Tigers have been quiet in the free-agent market. Besides reuniting with an old friend in Matthew Boyd, the Tigers have not done a whole lot. Sure, there was a trade with the Braves that sent Joe Jiménez to Atlanta in exchange for two prospects.

But, the Detroit Tigers have not quite addressed some of the needs that have opened up this off-season. The Tigers have been rumored to be thinking of a Jonathan Schoop re-assignment. Schoop is slated to be shifted to third base if the Tigers want to change things up.

He may be versatile, which helps, but he's become accustomed to second base. With the banning of the shift, Schoop may be relegated to third. It's hard to justify a move to third when he nearly took home a Gold Glove award in 2022.

But, if the Tigers did shift him to third base, there would be the need for a second baseman to be added to fill the void. For that, why not consider Jean Segura? It may mean bringing in another player on the wrong side of 30 years old with Segura being 32, but there are ways he would bring benefit.

Segura was chasing down a World Series title with the Dave Dombrowski-built Philadelphia Phillies organization that got things rolling this Fall. He has been in Philadelphia for the last four seasons holding things down in the infield.

In 2022, Segura played in 98 games where he slashed .277/.336/.387 with nine doubles and ten home runs with 33 RBI. He would bring an impactful right-handed bat to the lineup, with some infield versatility himself.

Segura can play shortstop or second base, similar to Schoop. With some luck, Segura might be able to log some time at third base. If not, Ryan Kreidler will be poking around looking for at-bats. The point is there are options, and Segura is a piece that brings benefit.

Again, this all hinges on Schoop moving to third, which the Tigers seem to be weighing out internally. But right now, the ball hit to third base is going to be fielded by Ryan Kreider, and that is not the best option for the team. He deserves time but is not ready to be the everyday starter.

Segura brings a veteran presence and might help get this team's offense off to a good start in 2023. Being able to boost the lineup will only help the Tigers manufacture runs and attempt to take steps in the right direction.

While this feels like a rebuild 2.0, the team has to be hoping to try to make slight adjustments to move in the right direction. If it's not a veteran like Segura, the Tigers will have to rely on young players which may stunt the growth of a few prospects.

It may not be the most intriguing name, but the Tigers should at least give Segura some thought.