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Detroit Tigers: Could Carlos Gonzalez help the offense in 2019?

By Brad Faber

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 05: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies grounds out during the third inning of Game Two of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on October 5, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 05: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies grounds out during the third inning of Game Two of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on October 5, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Tigers could be in a position to add an affordable hitter this offseason. Might a longtime Colorado Rockies outfielder be a fit?

At the end of last season, Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez announced his retirement. With Martinez now moving on, the Tigers might be wise to consider addressing the DH and/or first base positions this offseason.

Obviously, the Tigers will still have future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera at first base. Last season, Cabrera played in only 38 games, batting .299/.395/.448 with three homers and 22 RBI. Given that Cabrera will be entering his age-36 season and has struggled with his health in recent years, the Tigers might be wise to consider giving him more regular at-bats in the DH spot.

It’s worth noting, however, that Cabrera’s numbers have historically been better when he is playing the field, so there might be a bit of an adjustment period if the Tigers do choose to go that route. He is a .316/.395/.551 lifetime hitter, but has hit just .268/.331/.419 as a DH.

At first base, there are a couple different directions the Tigers could go. John Hicks and Niko Goodrum are both options to play the position, at least on a part-time basis. The Tigers could also explore the free agent market for a potential fit. Perhaps they could even get someone like Matt Adams, who belted a combined 21 home runs for the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals this past season.

There has been talk of Nick Castellanos potentially being used at first base, though his name is likely to surface in trade rumors once again this winter. If the Tigers do decide to trade Castellanos or slide him over to first base, it could create an opportunity to bring another outfielder on board. Someone like longtime Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez could be a decent option for a rebuilding team like the Tigers.

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Over the past couple of years, Gonzalez hasn’t exactly looked like the hitter he once was. He would also be moving from Coors Field, one of the best hitter’s parks in the league, to the spacious Comerica Park.

However, the 2010 NL batting champion has remained very productive against right-handed pitching. Gonzalez slashed .284/.344/.485 with 12 home runs against righties in 2018. Overall, he hit .276/.329/.467 (99 OPS+) with 16 homers and 64 RBI.

Gonzalez could be a good option to at least platoon with someone such as Mikie Mahtook in right field, depending on what happens with Castellanos.  If the Tigers decide to keep Castellanos and leave him in right field, Gonzalez could also be an option in the DH spot, depending on how much first base the Tigers will allow Cabrera to play. Though Gonzalez has never played a game at first base, he has expressed a willingness to play the position in the past.

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Gonzalez could likely be had on a one-year deal. Depending on how Detroit wants all its pieces to fit together, he would be an option at least worth considering . He would give the Detroit Tigers another left-handed bat, and if he has a hot first half, he might even emerge as a decent trade chip next summer.

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