Tigers fans won't miss Ryan Kreidler after he lands in most predictable destination

The Ryan Kreidler experience has finally come to an end for the Detroit Tigers. After Kreidler was designated for assignment by the Tigers at the start of the weekend, the 27-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kreidler has been optioned to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate and can finally be out of sight and out of mind for Tigers fans.

A fourth-round pick of the Tigers in 2019, Kreidler has mostly served as an up-and-down outfielder for the Tigers since making his Major League debut in 2022. As it turns out, the 84 plate appearances Kreidler had in his rookie season proved to be his best offensive campaign. That doesn't say much, considering it was 38 wRC+ with one home run.

Defense was Kreidler's calling card and was often the reason why he found himself on the Major League roster during times when the Tigers were in need of an outfielder. However, with Javier Baez moving to the outfield this season and having some success, Kreidler's role with the team became significantly diminished.

Offensively, this season, Kreidler didn't give any reason for the Tigers to keep him around. In 44 plate appearances, he was slashing .105/.190/.105 with a -13 wRC+. Making contact has been something that Kreidler has always struggled with, and that was exemplified this season — his strikeout rate was alarmingly high at 43%.

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The Pirates seem to be the place where Major League rejects go, so it's no surprise to see Kreidler land in Pittsburgh. With the claim, Kreidler has been placed on the Pirates' 40-man roster, so there it wouldn't be a surprise if he sees a return to the majors once rosters expand in September.

Kreidler's departure is yet another sign of the turnaround the Tigers have had this season. No longer is there room on their roster for a fringe Major League player, as the focus has shifted to preparing the roster for a deep run in October. As for the Pirates? We wish them luck. It's been a brutal year for them, and we're not sure why they felt the urge to claim another veteran who has done more to prove he belongs in the minor leagues than he does competing for a big-league roster spot.