Detroit Tigers: Freddy Galvis could be an intriguing fit at shortstop

The Detroit Tigers appear likely to shop for a new shortstop this offseason. Former Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres shortstop Freddy Galvis could be a nice fit.

In early October, longtime Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias bid farewell to the Motor City via an Instagram post. While anything is still possible, it now seems quite unlikely that Iglesias, a first time free agent, will be wearing the Olde English D next season.

While the Tigers do not appear likely to be players in the Manny Machado sweepstakes, there are several affordable shortstops who could make sense for the Tigers on short-term deals. Earlier this month, Jon Morosi of MLB Network and Fox Sports tweeted that the team “[had] varying degrees of  interest” in players such as Jordy Mercer, Adeiny Hechavarria and Freddy Galvis. Moreover, Tony Paul of the Detroit News has also projected that Galvis will sign a two-year, $15 million deal with the Tigers this offseason.

The 29-year-old Galvis could indeed be a solid fit. As Paul describes, Galvis has proven to be a very durable player. He played in all 162-games in each of the past two seasons, and has played in a minimum of 151 contests in each of the past four.

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At the plate, Galvis isn’t exactly a slugger, but hit a respectable .248/.299/.380 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI for the San Diego  Padres last season.  Back in 2016, he hit 20 home runs for the Philadelphia Phillies. Galvis may not match that total while playing his home games in spacious Comerica Park, but he should certainly hit for more power than Hechavarria. His lifetime .290 on-base percentage does, however, leave much to be desired.

Galvis is also a switch-hitter, which could give him another edge of Hechavarria and Mercer, both of whom are right-handed hitters. With the retirement of Victor Martinez, the Tigers will have fellow switch-hitters Jeimer Candelario, Niko Goodrum and rookie left-handed hitting outfielder Christin Stewart, all of whom appear very likely to have a place Tigers’ starting lineup.

Galvis could help to further balance out a Tigers’ lineup that has been right-handed heavy in recent years. The Tigers might also be wise to sign another left-handing hitting DH/first base type player. Someone like Matt Adams or Logan Morrison could share the first base and DH duties with Miguel Cabrera.

Galvis has also been quite good defensively. Last season, he was credited with seven defensive runs saved for the Padres. He has been a solid all-around player, posting an fWAR of at least 1.2 in each of the past four seasons. On a two-year deal, Galvis could hold down the fort until Sergio Alcantara, Willi Castro or perhaps Isaac Paredes are set to take over.

Galvis has also played second base, which could create more flexibility in the event that the youngsters are ready sooner than expected. However, the Tigers also have Kody Clemens who could be ready to play second base in a couple of years, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see a logjam eventually develop at the middle infield positions.

Right now, though, Galvis appears to be a very logical fit. He should certainly be at or near the top of the Detroit Tigers radar this offseason.