2024 - 2025 Detroit Tigers Offseason

[SkyBlue]

On 10/13/2024 at 1:29 PM, gehringer_2 said:

Torkelson was 348 OBP/781 OPS after his return and played solid D, improving his Rdrs from -10 last season to +3 this season.  I don't think the Tigers are as down on him as many fans who only see his season stats that include his terrible early trouble.

Well, that terrible early trouble counts and can the team afford to wait on him to figure it out?  No.

[SkyBlue]

On 10/21/2024 at 9:47 PM, Tenacious D said:

Spoiler alert (you’ve been warned)

Tigers free agent signings will be:

1B/DH Paul Goldschmidt ($14M/1 yr)

OF Tyler O’Neill ($34M/2 yr)

SP Jack Flaherty ($88M/4 yrs)

RP Pierce Johnson ($14M/2yrs)

If you ask nicely, I’ll tell you what the trades will be.

And Skubal's extension?

[chasfh]

“Tarik Skubal is going to play out the next two years and will then go to market. The Detroit Tigers will be free to bid on him at that time, same as everyone else.”

[monkeytargets39]

We need to play 4D chess here with Skubal and lock up Jake Rogers to a 10 year deal this offseason

[papalawrence]

Skubal probably also sees several players leaving Boras. He has an injury history. He might be open to a long-term deal. Harris should at least kick those tires, which I'm sure he is doing

[Hinchman11]

Let Hinch continue the way he managed this year with better platoon players on the roster. They were absolutely dreadful against lefties.

Get rid of Mckinstry as he offers no value to this team with a sub 500 ops against lefties. Bring back Iglesias who crushed lefties and can play all three infield positions. A perfect platoon to Sweeney and much cheaper than signing someone long term. 
 

DFA McKinstry if you can’t trade him 

trade w.Perez as he crushes righties and can’t hit lefties on a team with three others just like him on the roster in the outfield. We could probably sign if non tendered or trade for next to nothing for Austin Hayes. Crushes lefties, can’t hit righties.

trade for Yandy Diaz who you play at DH and some at first. Move Carpenter to the outfield against righties and as a clutch pinch hitter.  

 

 

 

[Edman85]

I will dispute that McKinstry provides no value to the roster. 0.8 bWAR, 1.1 fWAR last year. Perfectly fine for a role player. This may not show up in the raw batting stats, but he was a plus plus baserunner and plus fielder. And the last time I deep dived WAR metrics, versatility wasn't really factored in. The fact that you can bounce him between 3-4 positions in a single game allows you to maximize matchups elsewhere.

I'm not sure if there is a place for him on the 2025 team. The bar could be higher, and his modest raise in arbitration could play a role. But to say he has no value is not true.

[Tiger337]

5 hours ago, Edman85 said:

I will dispute that McKinstry provides no value to the roster. 0.8 bWAR, 1.1 fWAR last year. Perfectly fine for a role player. This may not show up in the raw batting stats, but he was a plus plus baserunner and plus fielder. And the last time I deep dived WAR metrics, versatility wasn't really factored in. The fact that you can bounce him between 3-4 positions in a single game allows you to maximize matchups elsewhere.

I'm not sure if there is a place for him on the 2025 team. The bar could be higher, and his modest raise in arbitration could play a role. But to say he has no value is not true.

Another thing about multiple posiion players is that they don't play enough at one position to get reliable defensive numbers.  So, you can never be very sure about their WAR. I am not sure how to best measure versatility value.  Anyway, I think he's fine as a utility player. You just don't want him getting too many at bats.  

[Tenacious D]

I like 2nd half McKinstry.  Just not sure there is room for him any more if Baez is back, along with Sweeney, Jung, Ibanez and Wenceel on the team, not to mention any additions we make.

[casimir]

5 hours ago, Tenacious D said:

I like 2nd half McKinstry.  Just not sure there is room for him any more if Baez is back, along with Sweeney, Jung, Ibanez and Wenceel on the team, not to mention any additions we make.

I don't see how Jung gets a roster spot over McKinstry at this time.  I think Jung needs to play every day.  If the Tigers do find an everyday 3B, and are committed to Keith at 2B, where does Jung play?  McKinstry is more likely to make the roster as the utility player because he's serviceable at SS and the OF.  Now, if the Tigers think Jung is ready for everyday MLB time next season, I think that's a different roster spot than he and McKinstry are vying for.

As far as Perez is concerned, he might be in competition with Malloy for last OF on the roster with the loser going to Toledo.  Or I suppose it might work out that both start the season in Toledo.  Although I don't expect, I wouldn't be surprised to see some part of Vierling/Carpenter/Malloy/Perez traded this offseason.  But it also would be advantageous to have some OF roster depth in Toledo as we've seen Greene and Carpenter dinged up from time to time.

[Hinchman11]

15 hours ago, Edman85 said:

I will dispute that McKinstry provides no value to the roster. 0.8 bWAR, 1.1 fWAR last year. Perfectly fine for a role player. This may not show up in the raw batting stats, but he was a plus plus baserunner and plus fielder. And the last time I deep dived WAR metrics, versatility wasn't really factored in. The fact that you can bounce him between 3-4 positions in a single game allows you to maximize matchups elsewhere.

Agree 100 percent that McKinstry is a useful role player. The playoffs absolutely exposed us with Sweeney as the only other shortstop that is virtually unplayable against lefties. Just wish he had reverse splits to complement Sweeney. 

[SoCalTiger]

So Arizona owner called out Jordan Montgomery who will be exercising his 2025 option for 25 million. Maybe we should offer Kenta Maeda for Montgomery. It's plus 15 million but the upside is much higher IMO and Fetter and team can turn him back to stud with full spring training. 

[ICroupier]

4 hours ago, SoCalTiger said:

So Arizona owner called out Jordan Montgomery who will be exercising his 2025 option for 25 million. Maybe we should offer Kenta Maeda for Montgomery. It's plus 15 million but the upside is much higher IMO and Fetter and team can turn him back to stud with full spring training. 

No offense, but this is a terrible idea.

[RatkoVarda]

4 hours ago, SoCalTiger said:

So Arizona owner called out Jordan Montgomery who will be exercising his 2025 option for 25 million. Maybe we should offer Kenta Maeda for Montgomery. It's plus 15 million but the upside is much higher IMO and Fetter and team can turn him back to stud with full spring training. 

this is an awesome idea; Montgomery + Arizona's Competitive Balance Pick for Maeda. Tigers buy ~64th pick and get the better pitcher, all for $12.5M.

[1776]

7 hours ago, SoCalTiger said:

So Arizona owner called out Jordan Montgomery who will be exercising his 2025 option for 25 million. Maybe we should offer Kenta Maeda for Montgomery. It's plus 15 million but the upside is much higher IMO and Fetter and team can turn him back to stud with full spring training. 

I like this idea. I’d bet Montgomery has a nice bounce back season if he’s beyond his health issues. The Arizona experience hasn’t gone well for him. 

[Tenacious D]

So, with a Dodgers sweep, this could start on Wednesday.  

Let’s get the brooms out and get the offseason started.

[SoCalTiger]

8 hours ago, RatkoVarda said:

this is an awesome idea; Montgomery + Arizona's Competitive Balance Pick for Maeda. Tigers buy ~64th pick and get the better pitcher, all for $12.5M.

Adding the pick is great idea.

[Motor City Sonics]

They just can't bring Baez back.      If they do, season ticket holders should sue. 

[chasfh]

17 hours ago, RatkoVarda said:

this is an awesome idea; Montgomery + Arizona's Competitive Balance Pick for Maeda. Tigers buy ~64th pick and get the better pitcher, all for $12.5M.

Even looking past the problem of Montgomery’s skills steadily deteriorating, making the taking on of an extra $12.5 Ms look like a bad bet, what’s in it for Arizona to take on Maeda? Beyond garbage offsetting garbage, would a 2nd round comp pick really be worth $12.5 million?

Edited October 29, 2024 by chasfh

[Tenacious D]

I’d bet on Montgomery being better than Maeda, taking the chance that Fetter can help.  He had Kenta for a full season and even his magic couldn’t help.

If it’s for one season, throw out the salaries—we can easily absorb the difference in 2025.

Edited October 29, 2024 by Tenacious D

[Motor City Sonics]

I don't think they'll be all that active in Free Agency. 

I could see them singing a couple of pitchers.   Guys like Nick Pivetta or Yusei Kikuchi on short-term deals, but I doubt it will be anyone big.    I don't see JV coming back.    There must be a reason they didn't try to bring Lorenzen back and Flaherty will want to get paid and I don't see this team coughing up they money for him.   

A shortstop would be nice, but Adames will want at least Javy money and we have McGonigle coming in a couple of years.  He's not signing anywhere for 2 years.    Maybe you get a band-aid option like Amed Rosario.     

A backup catcher is needed.   I don't know about Dingler in that role.   I could see them bringing Carson Kelly back.  

As far as  Alex Bregman.  He'll want at least 4-5 years and probably at least $25 million.    His sharp OBP drop is concerning and as far as the power numbers,  I don't trust power numbers from guys who play in Houston's little stadium. 

The big moves feel like they'll be from within.  Trying to sign Skubal long term and keeping Fetter around. 

I still don't see this team increasing payroll by much next year.  

 

[romad1]

a lot of playoff "lessons learned" about the Tiger kids who absolutely benefitted from the experience..  I'm not convinced that the Tiger LHH infielders were exposed at all.  In a short series a lot of things manifest that are based on scouting, matchups or just having a couple bad swings.   I'm optimistic about Trey Sweeny, Jace Jung and Colt Keith based on what i saw in the final two months of the season.   

[Tigermojo]

1 hour ago, Motor City Sonics said:

I don't think they'll be all that active in Free Agency. 

I could see them singing a couple of pitchers.   Guys like Nick Pivetta or Yusei Kikuchi on short-term deals, but I doubt it will be anyone big.    I don't see JV coming back.    There must be a reason they didn't try to bring Lorenzen back and Flaherty will want to get paid and I don't see this team coughing up they money for him.   

A shortstop would be nice, but Adames will want at least Javy money and we have McGonigle coming in a couple of years.  He's not signing anywhere for 2 years.    Maybe you get a band-aid option like Amed Rosario.     

A backup catcher is needed.   I don't know about Dingler in that role.   I could see them bringing Carson Kelly back.  

As far as  Alex Bregman.  He'll want at least 4-5 years and probably at least $25 million.    His sharp OBP drop is concerning and as far as the power numbers,  I don't trust power numbers from guys who play in Houston's little stadium. 

The big moves feel like they'll be from within.  Trying to sign Skubal long term and keeping Fetter around. 

I still don't see this team increasing payroll by much next year.  

 

Milwaukee just extended their pitching coach. I'd like to see Fetter extended.

[ICroupier]

9 hours ago, romad1 said:

a lot of playoff "lessons learned" about the Tiger kids who absolutely benefitted from the experience..  I'm not convinced that the Tiger LHH infielders were exposed at all.  In a short series a lot of things manifest that are based on scouting, matchups or just having a couple bad swings.   I'm optimistic about Trey Sweeny, Jace Jung and Colt Keith based on what i saw in the final two months of the season.   

I can't say I agree. At the end of the day, Greene, Meadows and to a slightly lesser degree Keith are the only 3 position players who are above average and definitively don't need to be upgraded.

I'm fine giving Sweeney a crack at it to see if he has what it takes, but he went 2-for-22 in the postseason and barely cracked .200 in the regular season, so not sure what he showed you to make you so confident.

Same for Jung. Wasn't given many chances in playoffs, and while he did hit better than Sweeney in the regular season, 0 HRs and 3 RBIs in 79 ABs don't exactly scream "clear a spot!"

Carp is our best hitter but as what I consider a DH exclusively, he's not so good so that he couldn't be upgrade. Vierling was serviceable but average. Perez and JHM are both 4th or 5th OF. C and 1B were largely black holes.

So there are plenty of spots to upgrade. I just hope this playoff run doesn't lead to complacency when it comes to improving the roster - especially the bats.

[Tenacious D]

2 hours ago, ICroupier said:

I can't say I agree. At the end of the day, Greene, Meadows and to a slightly lesser degree Keith are the only 3 position players who are above average and definitively don't need to be upgraded.

I'm fine giving Sweeney a crack at it to see if he has what it takes, but he went 2-for-22 in the postseason and barely cracked .200 in the regular season, so not sure what he showed you to make you so confident.

Same for Jung. Wasn't given many chances in playoffs, and while he did hit better than Sweeney in the regular season, 0 HRs and 3 RBIs in 79 ABs don't exactly scream "clear a spot!"

Carp is our best hitter but as what I consider a DH exclusively, he's not so good so that he couldn't be upgrade. Vierling was serviceable but average. Perez and JHM are both 4th or 5th OF. C and 1B were largely black holes.

So there are plenty of spots to upgrade. I just hope this playoff run doesn't lead to complacency when it comes to improving the roster - especially the bats.

I think we have to ride the kids again to see what we have in a full season of Meadows, Jung, Sweeney, Dingler and Malloy.  Can’t bury any of them—get them 400-500 AB’s.  Could lead to an improved team, or some regression.  Lots of variability.  

External reinforcements should be at 1B, maybe OF.

Lots of kids coming fast.  Not all will make it, but we have enough depth and options.

Supplement the pitching staff.  A #2 and a solid bullpen dude.