Brennan Boesch Released by Detroit

Brennan Boesch has been a part of the Tigers lineup for three years but will now have to find a new home with Detroit releasing him. (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Despite having some uncertainty in their starting outfield, it would appear the Detroit Tigers would prefer their other internal options as the team has released Brennan Boesch this morning, according to a team press release. Boesch will be free to sign with anyone once he clears waivers.

Boesch has seen steady playing time over the past three seasons in Detroit, seeing more than 472 PA in each season. He’s a career .259/.315/.414 hitter, with nearly three times as many strikeouts as walks.

While the soon-to-be 28 year old has been a consistent piece of the Tigers lineup, it would appear that the team is no longer interested in keeping him on the roster given his on field limitations. Just yesterday, Matt Snyder of Motor City Bengals examined the team’s search for a starting left fielder and stressed that Boesch is, while good with the bat, a terrible defensive outfielder and his limitations appear to be something that could hold him back given the club’s other options. Snyder ultimately concluded that Don Kelly may be the most logical choice for the job, given his defensive versatility and Jim Leyland’s personal affinity for him.

Boesch will likely catch on somewhere, at least on a minor league deal. He and the Tigers had reached an agreement on a $2.3 Million contract for this season, of which Detroit will only be on the hook for one-sixth of once he clears waivers. Boesch could remain under team control through 2015 which could make him more attractive to potential suitors.