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3 players for Detroit Tigers to target this offseason

By David Hill

Sep 12, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) stands on the field during a delay in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) stands on the field during a delay in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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One could argue that the Detroit Tigers were one of the more disappointing teams in the majors in 2022.

They had been one of the more active teams in free agency, bringing in Javier Baez and Eduardo Rodriguez as their headline moves. Between their free agent class and top prospects coming to the majors, 2022 was supposed to be the start of something special. Then injuries and underperformance happened, leading to the Tigers finishing the 2022 season just one game out of the AL Central basement.

Three players for Detroit Tigers to target

In theory, the Tigers are not that far away. Improved health and players performing to their expectations could propel them right into the thick of the divisional race. Adding the right free agent or two could make a difference. However, the 2023 campaign is expected to be one where the new brain trust evaluates the roster and the pieces already in place, looking to determine what they have in place. Chances are, they will be looking to make minor moves in free agency.

The Detroit Tigers do have several holes on their roster. Let’s take a look at three players they could target this offseason.

Austin Hedges

The Detroit Tigers hope that they have their catcher of the future in Dillon Dingler.

There are concerns with Dingler as he advances through the Tigers’ system. While his .238/.333/.419 batting line over 448 plate appearances was above average for Double-A, he did strike out in 31.9% of his plate appearances. Dingler is not expected to be ready for the majors until late in 2023 anyway, necessitating a stopgap in the interim.

Austin Hedges could be such a player. He has the type of defensive acumen that the Tigers seem to want behind the plate. At the same time, his veteran presence could make a difference for a rotation that is still relatively inexperienced.

There are problems. Hedges is not going to hit at all as his career 58 OPS+ over 2001 major league plate appearances can attest. However, he does have some pop, having reached double digits in homers four times in his career. If he can be servicable offensively while providing his typically excellent defense, it is possible that Hedges could even be a trade chip at the deadline if Dingler is ready.

The Detroit Tigers need to find a stopgap behind the plate. Austin Hedges could be the answer.

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