Tigers Rumors: Detroit may have hefty offer on table for slugging free agent

The Tigers' silence on the offseason free agent market has been deafening, but the fact that two of the league's most coveted outfield bats remain unsigned offers Detroit fans a glimmer of hope.

Once Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets, it was widely expected that Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander would have been snatched up quickly by the teams who missed out in the Soto sweepstakes. However, both players remain on the market.

MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand noted that one possible factor in both Santander and Hernández remaining unsigned is that both rejected qualifying offers; as such, any team that signs them will have to forfeit draft picks and/or international bonus pool money in order to do so.

As expected, teams that were interested in Soto – the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays – have also shown interest in Santander. But Feinsand reported that some other teams to watch include the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Washington Nationals... and the Tigers.

Tigers Rumors: Detroit may have hefty offer on table for slugging free agent Anthony Santander

Santander ranked third in the Major Leagues with 44 home runs last season and finished the year with a slash line of .235/.308/.506. Coming off a season with the Baltimore Orioles that saw him drive in more than 100 runs for the first time in his career, he decided to test free agency for the first time, and the Tigers are one of his many suitors.

The Tigers' offense ranked ninth in the league in runs scored and 12th in home runs and OPS in 2024, so one would think that they would be looking to add a bat this offseason. Detroit had a revolving door in right field last season featuring Wenceel Pérez, Kerry Carpenter and Matt Vierling, but Santander's bat would be an upgrade over all three.

According to Feinsand, Santander is believed to be looking for a five-year deal, likely in the $100 million range, in free agency. If the Tigers can afford to pay $15 million for one year of 37-year-old pitcher Alex Cobb, surely they should be able to afford $20 million annually for five years of a 30-year-old power bat that can make a nightly impact on their lineup.

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