The 2018 Winter Meetings have kicked off in Las Vegas, Nevada, and there are many questions surrounding the Detroit Tigers. It’s many of these questions will be answered, and fans could have an idea of what they are looking to do heading into the 2019 season. General Manager Al Avila has already said that they will attempt to shed payroll and become younger and possibly make a series of smaller moves.
Detroit Tigers Winter Meetings Agenda
Gone are James McCann and Alex Wilson. The Tigers made a couple of moves bringing back Minor League Catchers Bobby Wilson and Kade Scivicque. They also signed veteran starter Matt Moore. Moore has struggled over the past few seasons, including going 3-8 with a 6.79 ERA last season with the Texas Rangers. Moore is still only 29-years-old and was once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He showed signs of brilliance in 2013 when he went 17-4 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Detroit has also agreed to a one-year deal with pitcher Tyson Ross. Ross went 8-9 last season, splitting time with the Padres and the Cardinals.
Detroit is already making moves to improve the roster as the team continues to rebuild. However, there are a few big question marks to tackle at the Winter Meetings. It is no secret the Tigers are rebuilding, but how and win they move certain players remains to be seen.
Will the Tigers try to move Nick Castellanos?
The power-hitting outfielder is heading into a contract season, and there is doubt that the Tigers are going to be willing to offer him a big contract. However, due to his below average defense, the Tigers may not get exactly what they want in return. Castellanos is still a solid offensive player with power. He has the ability to consistently hit 20 home runs and drive in 90 runs a year. The Tigers have discussed moving the 26-year-old with the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What do the Tigers need?
With Jose Iglesias not returning to the club, the team is now in need of a shortstop and will likely target a veteran. They have been linked to Jordy Mercer, Freddy Galvis, Alcides Escobar, and Asdrubal Cabrera. The team does have a few prospect options at that position in Dawel Lugo, Willi Castro, or Isaac Paredes.
It appears that Grayson Greiner and John Hicks will fill the catcher role. Christian Stewart looks like he is going to get a shot to stick with the big club as the starting Left Fielder or at least a fourth outfielder. As of right now, Jacoby Jones looks to be in line to be the everyday center fielder and, barring a trade, Castellanos is the right fielder.
There wouldn’t be too much surprise if the Tigers look at some options at First Base. Miguel Cabrera is having a little bit of trouble staying healthy, and now that Victor Martinez has retired, Cabrera may be getting more at-bats from that position. Justin Bour may be worth looking at for Detroit. Other notable options available at First Base are Logan Morrison, Hanley Ramirez, and Matt Adams. It has also been rumored that they will look to boost the bullpen.
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