Among the position upgrades for the Tigers this offseason, second base will surely be a top priority.
This past season, the Tigers used a total of six different players at the position which has suffered since the loss of Polanco a few years ago. Those six players who have played second for Detroit this season combined to hit just .260/.311/.394.
Former Tigers second baseman Scott Sizemore, who was tabbed to be the future at the position was traded while Carlos Guillen again dealt with a season full of injuries. Guillen is also scheduled to hit the free agent market in a couple of weeks.
Given the relative weak free agent class at second base, the Tigers may be better off passing on signing any free agents this offseason. Some of the top free agents at the position include Mark Ellis and Jamey Carroll.
Kirkland Crawford of the Detroit Free Press does however mention that Kelly Johnson could be a fit for Detroit. Furthermore, if Aaron Hill’s option is declined he may also be a fit since the Tigers would prefer to have some power from the position.
Now if the Tigers opt to make a bigger splash at second base this offseason, perhaps the Tigers and Rangers can revisit trade rumors that swirled prior to this past season. If the money could be matched up, Young would be a very nice fit at second for Detroit especially since he can add some offensive production to the lineup as well. Texas on the other hand could have money freed up to pursue big time free agents in Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder or Yu Darvish.
Ref: ESPN, Detroit Free Press, BayCitizen.org (image)