Tigers sign a different former Astros draft pick after missing on Alex Bregman

With full squad spring training workouts set to begin Monday, the Detroit Tigers are signing a World Series champion and former member of the Houston Astros – and no, it's not Alex Bregman.

Per a report from Ari Alexander of KPRC 2, the Tigers are signing former Astros utility man David Hensley to a minor league contract. The 28-year-old is expected to attend spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Originally a 26th-round pick by the Astros in 2018, Hensley made his Major League debut with Houston four years later in 2022 – the same year the Astros won the World Series in six games over the Philadelphia Phillies. Hensley appeared in 46 games for the Astros between 2022-23, hitting .177/.273/.274 over 128 plate appearances. He played the first half of the 2024 season with Triple-A Sugar Land before the Astros designated him for assignment in the middle of July.

After his DFA, Hensley was picked up off waivers by the Miami Marlins. In 58 plate appearances over 23 games for the Marlins, he slashed .212/.293/.288 before being waived at the beginning of the offseason. Hensley went unclaimed waivers and elected minor league free agency.

Tigers sign former Astros, Marlins utility man David Hensley after missing on Alex Bregman

The right-handed hitting Hensley is a career .188/.280/.279 hitter over 169 major league plate appearances between the Astros and the Marlins. However, as is often the case with fringe Major League hitters, his minor league numbers are more impressive. Hensley has a career slash line of .257/.384/.413 over 1,100 Triple-A appearances with nearly a 17% walk rate.

Hensley has experience playing at all four infield positions, as well as the outfield corners. The majority of his Major League appearances have been at second base and as a designated hitter. His invite to spring training will give him a chance to compete for a Major League roster spot with the Tigers, but he will likely begin the 2025 season with Triple-A Toledo.

Hensley will join the Tigers for full squad workouts Monday in Lakeland, Fla. Their first spring training game is Feb. 22 against the Phillies.

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