The Tigers announced they have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with outfielder J.D. Martinez and he has reported to minor league camp. The Astros removed Martinez from their 40-man roster in November, and released him on Saturday.
Martinez, 26, hit .251/.300/.387 in 975 plate appearances for the Astros spanning the 2011-13 seasons. Three years ago, Baseball America ranked Martinez sixth among Astros prospects, suggesting he profiled as a second-division regular. The Tigers can use the depth, having lost Andy Dirks to back surgery possibly until June.
Jerry Mandering
Good sign, still has breakout potential. Tigers do not look like they’re going to spend any money filling the injury holes.
Kash
Wish him all the best. Still think he has Major League potential. Just another year or two away. Good sign by the Tigers and hated to see him leave the Stros.
Bill Smith
Saw he was let go Saturday, and hoped we’d give him a shot. Cheap, lots of talent, just maybe not quite ripe yet. I think Houston has a lot of OF talent already, too.
Bronx Bombers
Can he play shortstop?
RiseAgainst3598
The tigers acquired a shortstop today in Alex Gonzalez, a cheaper, older Jhonny Peralta type guy.
RiseAgainst3598
The tigers acquired a shortstop today in Alex Gonzalez, a cheaper, older Jhonny Peralta type guy.
Guest 3724
I realize they got Alex Gonzalez, but he’s a negative war 38-39 year old shortstop. Basically Derek Jeter but with no offense.
bobbleheadguru
Quantity > Quality seems to be the Tigers MO right now.
Ben K.
Not necessarily. More like Quantity>Monetary value. A lot of the signings could prove to be valuable in some way.
Frank 19
Yeah, not terrible, and didn’t cost a prospect or current player. This one you can’t really have any issues with…
kungfucampby
Dombrowski just going to flip him for another busted glove-only SS.
forkball27
So when will the Tigers start looking at a few of the relief pitchers that have been DFA’d or released? Bullpen is STILL a weakness. The lineup will be fine.