Detroit Tigers want no part of Addison Russell
By David Hill
Reports earlier in the week connected the Detroit Tigers and Addison Russell. The Tigers have adamantly denied any interest.
The Detroit Tigers are not going to be getting out of their rebuild any time soon. As such, it makes sense that ownership is not exactly enamored with the idea of spending in free agency at this point. The Tigers, if and when they do make additions, will likely be scouring for bargains.
When it was reported on Thursday that the Tigers were one of the teams interested in Addison Russell, it made sense. Russell is not likely to receive a large amount in free agency, despite having shown that he can be a major league middle infielder in the past. However, on Friday, the Tigers rebuffed those reports, stating that they do not have an interest in the former Cubs shortstop.
The Tigers, per source, have no interest in free agent shortstop Addison Russell. Reports to the contrary are unfounded.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) December 6, 2019
Although Russell is sure to have interest, this type of reaction is also understandable from Detroit. Russell’s baggage, specifically, his suspension for domestic assault, overshadows whatever he could accomplish on the diamond. That was certainly the case based on fan reaction when Russell returned to the Cubs last year after his suspension and spending part of the year in the minors.
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Russell also put together his second consecutive mediocre season in the majors in 2019. Over his 241 plate appearances, Russell produced a .237/.308/.391 batting line, hitting nine homers and four doubles. He had essentially become a singles hitter without upside, and even struggled defensively at short.
However, there is no denying the player he had been. In 2016, Russell made the All Star Game as a 22 year old, belting 21 homers while showing excellent defense at short. The hope was that he would be a mainstay in Chicago, a star the franchise could build around.
While there is time for Russell to potentially be that player, that time is starting to run out. A change of scenery may be exactly what he needs, but there is still a matter of finding a team willing to take on his baggage while hoping for the future. Teams may be interested, but that is not the case in Detroit.
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The Detroit Tigers are going to be shopping for bargains in free agency. Yet, no matter how much of a bargain Addison Russell may be, the Tigers reportedly do not have any interest.