Baez's OPS+ is typical of what your average pitcher used to put up pre DH era. Some were worse, some were better. But playing Baez is like giving up your DH.
If they are serious about contending over the next few years they will need to sign a guy like Flaherty. So why not just sign the bird in the hand, assuming he is amenable. And maybe they are trying, I don’t know.
For all the kvetching about the offense the Tigers are 15th in MLB in runs/game. They are 14th in runs allowed/game. The epitome of a .500 team. Considering they are one of MLB's youngest teams the future isn't as dismal as some around here think.
The Yankees have two hitters above .800. Every other non-injured regular is under .700. And they lead MLB in runs scored. The Mariners are in second place. Their top regular has a 716 OPS. I'm not arguing that the Tigers are playoff contenders right now, but I don't think they are that far off.
Scales and Gania rhapsodizing about how strong the Tigers bullpen has been this year. Then Apple posts stat showing that Tigers pen leads MLB in blown saves.
Lots of traffic on the bases. Just couldn't cash in enough of them. This is better than the 3 up, 3 down that plagued them in June. Bullpen continues to be hit or miss as well.
The Twins signed him to a minor league deal. That shows you what the league thought of him. The Twins have been living right lately. The Correa free agent deal (with SF?) falling through and WC suddenly turning into an All-Star? Fans don't appreciate the luck factor enough.
I believe the Tigers traded Ben Oglive to the Brewers for Jim Slaton. Then Slaton signed back with Milwaukee after the season. So the Tigers essentially gifted Milwaukee an All Star.
He did post 99 OPS+ in his first stint with the Tigers. If he could bounce around the 100 OPS+ mark over the next few years he will be a very valuable player for the Tigers.