The AL Central is loaded with teams that are destined to disappoint. From the massive sell-off in Cleveland to the team in Chicago that couldn’t sign that $300-million guy. But, the Detroit Tigers have actually done something to make the division and the team more interesting.
The Detroit Tigers added an acrobatic, base-stealing second baseman named Josh Harrison.
And, with Harrison comes fun.
According to Ken Rosenthal and many other sources, the Tigers have signed Harrison to a one-year deal. As always, it is pending a physical:
Free-agent infielder Josh Harrison in agreement with the #Tigers on a one-year contract, pending physical, source tells The Athletic. Expected to their everyday second baseman.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 20, 2019
Harrison will join his long-time double-play partner Jordy Mercer, who was signed to play shortstop earlier in the off-season. Tigers fans have had some experience watching Mercer and Harrison over the years, but seeing them daily will add some fun to the game. MLB Cut4 shared some of Harrison’s highlights from his time with the Pirates, showcasing his acrobatic skills on the bases. Take a look via MLB:
Harrison is also well-known in Tigers circles for a dubious honor: breaking up a Justin Verlander no-hitter at Comerica Park on May 18, 2012. Harrison was the DH and lead-off batter. Now that Verlander is with the Astros, maybe Harrison can repeat his good fortune? He has hit .267 against Verlander in 15 at bats. Verlander has only struck him out once. (Just in case you were wondering…)
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Prior to signing Harrison, the big question was who would man second base? The rumored answer was either Niko Goodrum or Dawel Lugo. Goodrum debuted with the Tigers last season and excelled as the super-utility man, playing every spot except catcher, center field, and pitcher. Goodrum quickly became a fan favorite with his clutch hits and agile defensive work.
Lugo saw a few games with the Tigers, but spent the majority of the season with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens at second base. He was acquired in the J.D. Martinez trade with the Arizona D-Backs.
Harrison’s career stats are worth noting. In eight seasons, he has a career slash of .277/.317/.408. He does not strikeout often and he walks even less. He’s not a big power hitter, and only had eight home runs in 2018. He did miss about a month of playing in 2018 after he suffered a broken hand in April after being hit by a pitch.
Tigers fans are used to seeing outstanding middle infielders. In the 80s, we had Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. Most recently, we had the pleasure of watching Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler dominate on defense. Mercer and Harrison should continue that tradition. Harrison has been to two All-Star Games – he’s got to get to a few more to catch up to Kinsler’s four. But two is nothing to complain about.
This signing is a good thing for the fans, who will quickly come to appreciate the way that Harrison plays the game. Welcome to Detroit, J-Hay!