The Tigers announced that they’ve placed shortstop Jose Iglesias on the 10-day disabled list due to a lower abdominal strain and recalled infielder Dawel Lugo from Triple-A Toledo in his place.
Today’s trip to the disabled list all but definitively rules out a trade of Iglesias, who otherwise made sense as a logical addition for a contender looking to bolster its infield defense. The 28-year-old Iglesias is a free agent at season’s end, so the Tigers now stand to lose him without any form of compensation. That’s not necessarily for a lack of effort on their part, however; Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press wrote today that the Tigers have had their shortstop on the trade block “for the better part of two seasons” and simply haven’t matched up with another club.
Iglesias has never been a huge threat at the plate, but this season’s .269/.310/.389 slash line was at least an improvement over his 2016-17 results. Iglesias’ calling card has long been his glovework and baserunning, anyhow, though defensive metrics are more split on his level of excellence. Defensive Runs Saved pegs Iglesias at a quality +7 mark over the past three seasons, for instance, while Ultimate Zone Rating pegs him as an elite defender (+29.2 runs above average). Iglesias has also swiped 15 bags in 21 tries this season and has generally graded out as an above-average baserunner.
As Fenech notes in his previously mentioned piece, it’s at least possible that the Tigers will look to bring the defensive stalwart back to Detroit. The organization doesn’t have an heir apparent at shortstop with the possible exception of Dixon Machado, though the fact that he was designated for assignment and outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier this season is all the indication one needs to glean that he’s viewed at best as a possible option rather than a definitive successor.
I hope the Tigers resign Iggy. His defense is top notch and can be a mainstay up the middle
Like to see him remain in Detroit also. feeling Boras has gold in his eyes and believes Iglesias is far better than he truly is… Superb glove with fair (at best) bat and will shoot for the moon this coming offseason.
Think poor Igleasis won’t be signing until very late because of this and probably just a 1y deal when the hot air clears. Shame too. Boras work in his true best interests and he’d probably sign early in the 3-4y at around 10m per season.
I was driving home from a friend’s house on July 30th 2013 – my phone had died, so no MLBTR notifications – when I heard on the radio the Red Sox has traded him in a 3 way deal for Jake Peavy. I was so shocked I nearly crashed my car. I guess he never really planned out to be much in Detroit and I hear that he’s a bit of a diva in the clubhouse, but boy was it fun watching him play for us those first few months in 2013
You should plan your discharges better. Irresponsible discharges often lead to unexpected consequences. Sometimes, long term ones.
Iggy is at heart a Showman. He needed a grander stage than Detroit. The team was competitive and the fan base was loyal for a good part of his Tiger time, but the spirit is not like it is at Fenway. He’s not good enough for them, but that is the atmosphere that brings out his best and most creative play. He can be a treat to watch. You need a good team on which to hide his offense.
I’m sure you love the Patriots too
Me? Honestly I’ve been pretty disgusted at the patriots going all the way back to deflate gate. Bellicheck blew it 3 years ago when they went 2-4 down the stretch, they made Brady the fall guy for the balls, they were so far down in the Super Bowl that many people didn’t even get to enjoy the comeback, botched the garapolo, Butler, and mcdaniels situations. Never extended any of their young defensive studs.
It’s really shocking that they’re still the class of the AFC but I guess everyone else just sucks more.
Cool story, bro
Thanks <3
If he was needed elsewhere, he would have been moved. Right now, I, too, am hoping he returns to Detroit. I don’t see Castro being ready yet. Not quite sure they even see him as a SS.
Gardy loves him. I doubt he gets any offers near 10 mil per. Teams could have had him the past 2 years for a light package of prospects and nobody bit. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in Detroit on a 2/16 type of deal. Detroit’s middle infield prospects are in AA and lower. Be watching for Wenceel Perez in a few years.
As long as he doesnt block the guys coming uo in 2020, then a 1 yr plus mutual option is fine. He will likely find better on the market IF he keeps his price in line with his value. Pirates? Marlins?
Marlins had a cheaper version of Iggy… Hecchevaria and gave him away to the Rays. I doubt they’d make an offer. I think the Tigers would be a perfect fit. Lord, I don’t want to see Dixon Machado at short next year.
Iggy and Goodrum up the middle next year would be great. Candelaria at third and maybe try and sign Adams for first. I’d also like to see us try and get Chisenhal for left.. The guy can hit.
I doubt Goodrum is given second in 2019. I’m thinking they’re going to take a hard look at Lugo in September and in Lakeland and if performs well, he goes north with the club. I do agree that they need to cut bait on Machado. He is overmatched offensively and just doesn’t make sense at short, even though he holds his own defensively. Honestly, I can’t really read the free agent market for Iglesias…just because the Tigers couldn’t match up with a trade partner for him, doesn’t mean he’ll not have suitors in FA. I’d love to see him back in Detroit but if he prices himself too high, there might not be a place for him. At this point, I’m not sure how they’ll approach the situation at short for next season.
Fox Sports Detroit broadcasters are speculating that if Ronny Rodriguez does well from now through the end of spring training, he could be in the mix at SS.