Tigers: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid this offseason

The Detroit Tigers could be major players in free agency this offseason.

The Detroit Tigers have been a laughingstock over the last few seasons, as they have routinely been relegated to the bottom of the AL Central standings. However, there is a reason for optimism in both the short and long term given their stockpile of prospects and the appointment of former Astros manager AJ Hinch to the same position in Detroit.

The Tigers should splurge on these three players in what could be a very active offseason, but they should show some restraint and avoid one potential disaster.

The Tigers should sign one of these three studs in the offseason, but they also should avoid one controversial free agent

Despite the fact that he hasn’t been able to find a home since leaving the Toronto Blue Jays, as evidenced by the fact he’s played for four teams in the past two seasons, Pillar has plenty of traits that will appeal to any manager regardless of a club’s outlook for 2020. Pillar put together his best season at the plate in 2020, hitting .288 with six home runs and posting an OPS+ over 100 for the first time in his career. Pillar will always provide above-average defense, as his speed and willingness to lay out in order to make catches will serve him well wherever he lands up. If Al Avila switches things up and gets aggressive, Pillar could become a Tiger in 2021.

The Tigers’ outfield right now is about as bad as it gets, as players like Victor Reyes and Christin Stewart are trying to prove they belong in the pros while youngsters like Daz Cameron are still a year or so away from being above-average threats in the field and at the plate. Whenever the Tigers need to add a center fielder, they need to consider someone that can both patrol their extremely expansive outfield and handle themselves well at the plate. not only can Pillar do both, but he can serve as a veteran leader in a young clubhouse that won’t cost a ton of money to bring in.