Delmon Young became one of the biggest trade acquisitions at the end of this past season for the Detroit Tigers as he provided an instant spark of offense to the Tigers’ lineup.
That spark may have given Young a permanent role within the Detroit lineup next season and beyond.
Young arbitration eligible one more time before becoming eligible for free agency after the 2012 season. As is stands right now, Young is set to receive a hefty pay increase from the $5.375 million he earned in 2011. However, the Tigers don’t seem set to offer Young a long-term extension reports Tom Gage of the Detroit News.
It seems more probable that the Tigers offer Young a one-year deal based on the streaky production Young has been prone too during his time in Tampa Bay and Minnesota. Because of this, Young will likely get a deal within the $8 million dollar range from the Tigers.
With Magglio Ordonez more than likely not returning to the Tigers next season, the team could use some of that freed up money to surround center fielder Austin Jackson with a little more stability which in turn could be Young.
Ref: ESPN, Detroit News, LA Times (image)