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Detroit Tigers continue buying trade deadline chips

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jonathan Schoop #16 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees in game two of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 05, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jonathan Schoop #16 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees in game two of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 05, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Tigers have continued to add players on one year deals, setting themselves up for an active trade deadline.

For a rebuilding team, the Detroit Tigers have been fairly busy this offseason. Despite obviously tanking, they have been active, as they were the surprising landing spot for Austin Romine, signing him to a one year deal worth $4.15 million on December 13. It was a signing that buys catching prospect Jake Rogers time to continue his development without blocking his path to the majors.

On Saturday, the Tigers made a pair of similar moves. 2019 Minnesota Twins teammates Jonathan Schoop and C.J. Cron each signed one year contracts with Detroit, solidifying the right side of their infield.

Schoop, who earned a one year deal worth $6.1 million, had a solid bounceback season with the Twins last year. He produced a .256/.304/.473 batting line, hitting 23 homers and 23 doubles. However, he was also left off of Minnesota’s postseason roster last year as he had a dreadful second half slump.

Cron, his former and current teammate, earned a matching one year, $6.1 million contract. He was also slightly above average at the plate, posting a .253/.311/.469 batting line, hitting 24 doubles and 25 homers. These signings also led to the Tigers home run leader last season, Brandon Dixon, being designated for assignment.

As with Romine, these signings have an eye towards the future. With Schoop in the fold, the Tigers can give Willi Castro more time to develop in the minors, especially in light of his struggles last season. None of these players are going to block the youngsters.

It is also possible that these signings can have an impact upon the future. The Tigers are not expected to contend in 2020, unless something incredible unforeseen occurs. If the trio of Romine, Schoop, and Cron can perform well over the first four months of the season, they could find themselves heading to a contending franchise at the deadline, stockpiling the Tigers farm system with more prospects.

Next. Tigers top ten prospects for 2020. dark

The Detroit Tigers have been surprisingly active in free agency. Yet, even these signings have an eye towards the future.

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