Detroit Tigers 2024: Three Free Agent Signings That Can Lead The Tigers To The AL Central Crown

Last season the Detroit Tigers finished in second place in the AL Central – and did it with not the most impressive roster. This off-season, fans like myself are waiting for a free agency splash. So far the signings of right-handed pitchers Kenta Maeda, Jack Flaherty, and Shelby Miller along with bringing back lefty Andrew Chafin into the fold are nice, however, we need some sticks – and some grit!

While we all love to play GM as fans, I have three free agents who are not only better than average players, but they also come nowhere near breaking the bank.

Detroit Tigers 2024 Three Free Agents

The Detroit Tigers are bare in three spots that matter. The Tigers’ lack of depth at catcher, second, and third base is glaring. Why the new regime cut ties with Jeimer Candelario – for nothing in return- still boggles my mind. Nevertheless, here is the game plan.

Whit Merrifield (second base) – My must-have! Merrifield is one of the best free-agent second basemen still available, and boy, do the Tigers need a second baseman. The current roster has Detroit’s second basemen listed as Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez. Not exactly what I would be looking for heading into 2024. A career .284 hitter, Whit Merrifield reminds me of Ian Kinsler. A solid player who has a great glove and can put the bat on the ball. I am salivating at a Baez-Merrifield combo up the middle. The best part is Detroit could probably land him for $10-15 million on a two or three-year deal. Sign him!

Matt Chapman (third base) – This is the splash we need. Chapman Is solid with the glove, has power, and is just 30 years old. His recent deal with Toronto was 2 years/25 million, which means he is most likely looking for north of $15-20 mil per season. With how low the Tigers’ payroll is, Chapman is worth the risk.

Gary Sanchez (catcher) – I was big on Eric Haase, however the Tigers were not. But heading into 2024 with Jake Rogers and Carson Kelly as your only options, this is another must-move. Rogers and Kelly are good players, but adding Sanchez could not only be great for the staff but would also give each catcher an ample amount of time off in what is always a long season. At 31, Sanchez would be well worth taking a shot on, especially considering you could get him on a deal worth $2-3 million per season.

Spring training is right around the corner! The Tigers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 13, 2024.