Detroit Tigers fans are torn.
They’re mostly happy about the offseason so far, don’t get me wrong, but some of them wanted different news than they got Tuesday.
If you don’t follow our Evan Petzold, you may have missed the Tigers will sign All-Star shortstop Javier Baez.
The deal is for six years and $140 million — fewer years and less money than Corey Seager’s recently announced 10-year, $325 million deal with Texas — and has an opt-out clause.
Baez, known as “El Mago,” hit 31 home runs with a .813 OPS last season for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. He has been called one of the best defenders, not just shortstops, in baseball, and has made highlights for his baserunning.
But you’re lucky if he takes more than one or two walks in a week’s time and he has a lot of confidence to swing. He loves a good bat flip and is never afraid to talk to opponents on the field, so be ready for that fun, too.
The 1-A option at short for many Detroit fans was Carlos Correa, who’s expected to command a contract like Seager’s — or one even richer. That asking price was too high for the Tigers, and general manager Al Avila insinuated the team might look elsewhere.
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Instead of adding one World Series-winning shortstop from the American League, the Tigers sign another title winner from the National League. Baez, who turns 29 this week, has two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger. He was the NL Championship Series MVP during the Cubs 2016 championship run.
How are we feeling, Detroit?
Avila told you this was coming.
Baez can be a bit maddening to watch every day (I’ve seen at least 1,000 of his ABs as a Cubs fan) but I assure you, he’s better than what the Tigers had.
Follow the Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at tjdavis@freepress.com or on Twitter @TDavisFreep.
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