https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2021/11/12/saturday-survey-4/
SATURDAY SURVEY.
Totally Tigers
It is well known that the Detroit Tigers are in desperate need of adding a shortstop to their roster for next year. In 2021, those who played the position combined for MLB?s worst defensive stats, costing the team many runs.
A top team is strong up the middle and the Tigers recently traded for catcher Tucker Barnhart. Now it?s time to add a shortstop. It was just recently revealed that the Tigers attempted to trade for Willy Adames last year but were unsuccessful.
But the team also has other needs. First base is still not settled and it?s not guaranteed that Spencer Torkelson will make the team on Opening Day.
This means that Jonathan Schoop will have to help cover first base with Miguel Cabrera, which will also force the Tigers to use more utility players up the middle.
They also need to sign at least 2 starting pitchers to join Mize, Skubal and Manning. Last year, Detroit used 13 different starting pitchers.
This year?s free agency offers 5 top shortstops seeking new contracts. There are 13 teams in need of a new shortstop so bidding wars may break out.
Here they are with ages and expected contracts:
Javier Baez (29) ? 6 years, $172 million
Carlos Correa ( 27) ? 10 years, $340+ million
Corey Seager (28) ? 10 years, $320 million
Marcus Semien (31) ? 5 years, $148 million
Trevor Story (28) ? 7 years, $204 million
By the time each of these contracts would end, the 5 shortstops would all be in their mid-late 30?s.
The Tigers have spent the last 5 years dumping some of MLB?s longest and most expensive contracts. One remains ? Miguel Cabrera. He has 2 more years to go and is owed $64 million. And he?ll be 40 years old by the time his contract ends.
Last year, his salary alone accounted for 35% of the Tigers entire payroll and has been a factor in limiting who the Tigers were able to add to their roster.
Should the team get back into signing long-term expensive contracts for these free agents? Or should they try to trade for solid talent?
What about depth? Should they sign an expensive free agent and scrimp on the other positions that need filling? Or should they try to spread the wealth and fill as many positions as possible by using their analytics department to find the best talent?
What would you do?
In order to fill their shortstop need, should the Tigers add another long-term, expensive contract?
1. Yes.
2. No.
VOTE
