https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/12/09/deeper-discussions-98/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers
Back in 2022, Jeimer Candelario had one of the worst seasons of his career and a huge downturn from his two previous years. He slashed .217/.272/.361 and was benched several times during the season. He was even being booed at the plate.
Defensively, Candy put up negative numbers, costing the team runs at 3B. Due to his history of fluctuating yearly performances combined with weak hitting and fielding, he was believed to be a prime non-tender candidate. His expected salary of $7/year did not match performance.
The Tigers discussed these factors with him and offered to bring him back at a reduced salary that would match performance levels. Candelario declined and the Tigers then non-tendered him.
He went on to sign a 1-year contract with the last-place Nationals for less money than he received as a Tiger and was later traded to the Cubs.
He hit for significantly more power but much of that was due to the size of the parks he played in ? #15 and #23 respectively. Comerica ranks #4 in size. Moving now to the Reds, he?ll be playing in a park even smaller than Wrigley.
Defensively, Jeimer ranks near the very bottom of all MLB 3Bers with a -5 DRS.
Now, a free agent, he just signed a 3 year/$45 mill contract with the Reds. He will be playing 1st and 3rd base for them.
The Tigers tried unsuccessfully to replace him with Nick Maton. After sending Maton down to Toledo, they used Andy Ibanez, Zach McInstry (this year?s Gold Glove finalist) and Matt Vierling. All 3 are plus defenders with Ibanez the best fielder on the entire team with a +8 DRS.
All 3 players are under team control and each making MLB minimum salaries.
The free agent market this off-season is considered to be very weak. There are/were 16 3Ber free agents. Seven of them are 35 years or older. Half of them have a negative WAR.
Of the remaining viable candidates, there are 2: Gio Urshela (32) and Matt Chapman (31). Urshela wants at least 3-4 years and Chapman wants 5 years. The latter is repped by Scott Boras and his starting price is said to be $150 mill.
For the 2024 season, the Tigers plan on using mostly Vierling and Ibanez to cover 3B. It is believed that if all goes well, Jace Jung may debut later in the year. He has been playing the hot corner now and is being coached by his AA coach Gabe Alvarez (a former 3Ber), Alan Trammell and his brother Josh Jung, a stellar defensive and Gold Glove caliber player with the Rangers. So far, reviews are positive.
So did the Tigers make the right move?
Is it smarter for them to wait app. half a season+ for their 3B heir apparent to be MLB-ready?
Or should they have filled the position from outside with a candidate who would require at minimum a 3-year commitment? And if so, what would they do with Jung? Remember that Colt Keith is expected to take over 2B.
Today?s blog addresses this dilemma and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!
For this one blog only, you?ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.
TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?
Did the Tigers make the right decision about developing their young players and not signing a free agent for 3B?
Did the Tigers make the right decision about developing their young players and not signing a free agent for 3B?
1. Yes, focus on the homegrown prospects.
2. No, a free agent should have been signed.
VOTE
