https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/04/deeper-discussions-94/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers
The Detroit Tigers head into the off-season and GM meetings next week to start the process of re-configuring their roster. Yesterday, they already started.
Two of the biggest contracts will be coming off the books. Miguel Cabrera?s due to retirement. The Tigers will buy out his option year for $8 mill.
And Eduardo Rodriguez just opted out of his contract and leaves $49 mill on the table.
The signing of a veteran outfielder will add $11+ mill to the payroll.
Considering that the roster is now being built with top prospects under team control and making the MLB minimum salary, payroll is expected to drop. It doesn?t mean that the Tigers are looking to cut payroll.
In the past, the very large payrolls of this team were due to the need to buy players because the farm system wasn?t producing.
This is typical for all organizations who are rebuilding. The Orioles, for example, won the AL East with 101 wins. Their payroll, due to their youth, was $71 mill.
Scott Harris has emphasized that the team will not sign players who will block their top prospects from advancing. Remember, free agents prioritize the number of years in a new contract and the better free agents are looking for a minimum of 3 ? 5 years in any new deal.
Currently, the Tigers are set with their #1 catcher, 1Ber, SS and all outfielders. In fact, there is a glut of OFers.
Many expect Colt Keith to make the Opening Day roster. He would play 2B primarily but can also play 3B.
Jace Jung is expected to be in Detroit at some point during the coming year. Until then, Harris and Greenberg will likely have Andy Ibanez, Matt Vierling and Zach McKinstry cover 3B.
What they do need is a #2 catcher. Dillon Dingler, despite his excellent defense, remains a question mark due to his offensive struggles.
And then there are the pitchers. One can never have enough pitching and it expected that the Tigers will go after another front line starter to replace ERod and also add a reclamation project similar to Michael Lorenzen.
Their current starting pitching still has quite a few concerns about how they would perform throughout an entire year although the team does have pitchers who could make up an entire starting rotation.
And then there is the bullpen which is unpredictable each year for every team.
In summary, it appears the team?s greatest needs that require filling from the outside are pitching.
Given the team-controlled youth that is now the majority of the team, combined with fewer holes that need to be filled, should the Tigers actually be adding payroll given that several big contracts are coming off the books?
Or should they be adding more payroll despite several guaranteed contracts disappearing? And if so, how much?
Approximately $40 mill will be coming off the books, however arbitration and guaranteed salary increases will further diminish that number by 1/4th to 1/3rd.
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?
What should the Tigers do about their payroll for the 2024 season? Please consider their needs, the payroll that is coming off the books, salary increases, the poor free agent market and how this organization is now being run.
What should the Tigers do about their payroll for the 2024 season?
1. Add $25 million or less to the payroll.
2. Add up to $50 million.
3. Add more than $50 million to payroll.
VOTE
