The Detroit Tigers have completed their coup of the Twins’ right side, agreeing to a one-year deal with first baseman C.J. Cron, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. This deal matches the one made with Schoop, coming in at $6.1MM, per Fenech and MLB Insider Jeff Passan. The Tigers have announced the deal with Cron, represented by Moye Sports Associates.
Cron joins his third club in as many seasons after being non-tendered in back-to-back winters by the Rays and Twins, respectively. The Twins claimed Cron from Tampa and paid him $4.8MM last season, but balked at the $7.7MM salary he was projected to earn through arbitration. Cron ends up getting a raise from the Tigers, though still coming in under his projected arbitration mark.
The trepidation over paying Cron stems from the fairly limited skillset offered by the slugging first baseman. The power is legit, as Cron has put together back-to-back seasons with an ISO north of .200 – but as with his once-and-future teammate Jonathan Schoop, the power comes with below-average walk rates and a batting average consistently in the neighborhood of .250 (he’s a .258 BA career hitter).
Cron did post an above-average barrel rate rate in 2019, but he also suffered some bad luck with a .277 BABIP that fell well below his average rate of .293. In his one year in Minnesota, Cron hit .253/.311/.469 with 25 home runs and 78 RBIs while helping the Twins to the AL Central crown.
Along with Schoop, Cron brings much-needed pop to the right side of the Tigers infield and gives them some potential trade chips come July. To make room for the Cron and Schoop signings, Brandon Dixon has been designated for assignment, the team announced. Coincidentally, Dixon led the Tigers with 15 home runs last season, a mark that both Schoop and Cron topped with the Twins. The Tigers 40-man roster is currently full.
AVILA HAS AWOKEN
The Tigers made two good moves. Signing Cron and Schoop. Congratulations, two good additions to the team.
Thought Harrison deal would have been good for the price. But injuries were too much.
For these 2 duds? He’s hoping to get a return at deadline if they pan out.
if cron is given constant at-bats he performs well. in a rebuilding team he will be good.
These guys aren’t duds, they’re just solid to above average players.
Yes, solid enough to land a 1 year deal at 6.1 million for the Tigers. Lol
They most like had better offers but chose ones to maximize playing time. I’m sure many teams looked at them as platoon options.
Exactly. If Schoop puts up another offensive year, he’s still young enough to land a multi year deal. May be tough to do in Detroit
And here we go. The eightball troll jumps in.
And here you go trolling a troll.
Are the Tigers actually trying to compete next year? Surely there was someone worse to cut than Dixon.
The sad thing is this team has a slam dunk HOF player making 30 million a year for the next several years and his production is no longer worth that.
Why they signed Miggy to that contract was beyond me.
They signed Miggy to that contract because old man Illitch believed in rewarding his best players, and wanted Cabrera to go into the HOF as a Tiger.
Who is Cabrera blocking? Dixon?
Cabrera is the least of their worries. So what? They are spending 30 mil on him. He earned it when he won 2 MVP’s and helped them to a World Series. He will go into the Hall of Fame as a Tiger. As bad as he is, he’s still the best hitter on the team.
If he comes back healthy, he could return to a solid hitter in the middle of their lineup.
Lol
Nice pickup, maybe could have gotten him for less if waited longer but who cares, their budget is on low side. More “non-competitive” teams should make moves like this, a bunch of them can easily make your team competitive.
This tigers team could end up being a contender for that 2nd WC if guys come in and perform. If not Godley, Schoop, and Cron can all be flipped at the deadline.
I would imagine that is there plan, there is no chance they get a wild card.
Tigers will be dead last in the division again.
It will be a tough fight with the Royals for last.
I can see 4th
Gardenhire has done a pretty good job with the mess he’s been given. I could see them beating out the Royals. Gardenhire can build a bullpen. The starters are mediocre, but can keep it close. The big problem has been the offense.. Miggy’s .375 OBP in front of Cron and Schoop… could be some 2 run homers. Jacoby Jones plays like he did in May and June (August) They all of a sudden have a mediocre offense too.
But it will all be tore apart at the trade deadline. Cron and Schoop will probably be traded. Tigers won’t get much in return, but maybe some longshot high ceiling guys.
No they can’t the Tigers will most likely lose 100 games again.
They lost 114 games last season. Cron and Schoop aren’t bad players but there’s a reason why they are both signing 1 year deals for only 6 million. Both players will be flipped at the deadline.
Lol dude no chance
They won’t even sniff a wild card. In reality, they’ll probably lose at least 95 games, and very well could lose well over 100 again.
That said, these are still very good moves. At the very least it gives them more competent options, and they could possibly get a prospect for either at the deadline if they hit well.
LMAO they won’t even be a .500 ball club.
More likely If they each put up strong numbers in 2020, Detroit can flip them for middling prospects that could end up surprising.
Tigers probably had the worst lineup in baseball last year. I don’t think a few mediocre additions puts them anywhere close to contention.
Boyd, Fulmer, Norris, Zimmerman, and Turnbull. It could be worse. And maybe, just maybe, some orphan kid will convince a team of angels to help them win.
Tigers all in
They are not trying, but at least they are giving their fans something to root for. It’s better than nothing.
Lol
Next up, Tigers sign Joe Mauer.
The Detroit Twins
Obp sinkhole and bad defender but beggars can’t be choosers
Love these moves! Desperately needed someone who can hit the ball over the fence!
Entire right side of the infield (or 2B/DH) for $12.2M. Not bad for a rebuilding team.
Twins lite
They’ve added about 50 home runs today. More fun for the games to watch, for sure.
Agreed
Next up, travis shaw? He’s also open to a 1yr deal
Would be awesome if we got shaw too. we need some pitching depth tho.
I think that would be fantastic. Travis Shaw or Cesar Hernandez, Kevin Pillar. Alex Wood and Smyly. Right the ship!
This is very good news for the Orioles! They now move back into control of the first draft pick in 2021!
Nope. The Tigers will trade these guys and Boyd at the deadline and lose 110+ games in 2020, thus securing the #1 draft pick in the 2021 draft.
These are the type of signings mlbpa is going to complain about not being more of. Most likely this doesn’t win more than three games or so but helps these players get reps to get better. Can’t wait for London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome to get teams. Add Seoul and Tokyo at the same time. Tb could end up moving so that could help along with putting Philadelphia, Mia, or another in the Central. It get a little tough trying to move teams around. These players would be snapped up along with quality players who aren’t hitting a ton or for power. Wendle/Robertson/Wong alot of players do well at AAA, or even MLB but don’t seem to get the opportunity ala Diaz and Pham in StL. Wendle plays good d at 3 spots and went most of the year hitting 300.
MLB will contract before it expands again. We already have three or four cities without a fan base.
The attendance problems are overblown. Rays Marlins should raise in attendance over the next decade. Rays have started a run that should/could rival the Braves. I know it seems implausible but they are well stocked in talent, have ample room financially to spend, and seem pretty savy in trades. They also seem to get better production from players. Franco and pitching starting in 2022 plus alot of possibly good players rising together. J Lowe, Fox, Brujan, Edwards joining N Lowe, B Lowe, Meadows and Addams. Snell, McKay, Glasnow, Chirinos, Libertorie/Whoever pans out, bp of return from Morton trade lol, whatever arms they have by then because it’s a bp.
If the French in Montreal; won’t go to games, why would the Parisians? Of course you’re being sarcastic.
They will lose a lot of games again, but I guess they’re trying to not have the worst offense in the American League again.
love Cron, give him 150+games healthy I would be very comfortable betting on a 275/ 340 / 520
I’ll take that bet.
Two excellent signings (Schoop and Cron) for a rebuilding club. See if these relatively young veterans have some pop left; although Cron has been consistently decent over the last two seasons. The Tigers are obviously a ways off from competing but their future, at least in the rotation, is certainly bright – Mize, Manning, Skubal, Turnbull is a solid top 4.
The pitching prospects at AA are insane. Now the Tigers just need some hitters in the draft, Torkelson or Martin, maybe.
The Central could have some great rotations for the next few years. Indians will have Bieber, Clevinger, Plesac, Civale, Hankins. The Twins will have Berrios, Odorizzi, Graterol, and the Tigers will have the above mentioned guys and Burrows. Should be fun to watch.
I understand what you mean by signing a thumper in ‘20 draft. But honestly, I hope they draft the best player, and if that’s another RHP I’m all for it.
Glad to see Detroit make some competitive moves this off season. Looks like they want to beat out KC for 3rd place in the division. They could actually lose less than 100 games this year if their players perform at (or slightly above) their career averages. Good to see a tanking team not tank for a change!
For 3rd!? Pretty sure you meant 4th. At least I’d hope that’s what you meant.
That’s what he meant
Here we go again, still no pitchers. AA goes after infielders and outfielders. Look at all the games last year that they loss by one or two runs. Piss pour releif pitching.
They’re not trying to win, so I don’t see what the big deal is.
The Tigers are right there w the Orioles for worst team in the MLB. These two moves might’ve just moved them ahead. There were maybe 2 major league caliber hitters on their team before Cron and Schoop.
Ervin Santana is a former twin who could eat up some innings for them
The Cron and Schoop signings are 1 year deals to give their younger guys more time to mature. It also helps them “look” more like a MLB ballclub than a AAA test bed. They need to trade Boyd to the Angel’s, get a nice group of position players (they have several) and contend in a few years.
Tigers got two good players and both good in the clubhouse. Best of luck to them.
The Tigers will be happy with Cron as well as Schoop.. as a Twins fan I watched them all last season, a little inconsistent at times but both solid players
Looks like Detroit got two stopgap guys that could be flipped for prospects
Cron and Schoo: two great signings. Great work by Avila and co.
Tigers get it. Smart, buy low options with upside that can be flipped if they perform. Cron and Schoop. And even Godley for peanuts. Never low. At least they’re making an effort unlike another blue collar small market club that I won’t mention in this post.
Bomba squad 2.0
Exactly the type of move a team like the Tigers should make. Good stuff. Figured Cron would go to a more hitter-friendly park but sometimes guys have to settle for the best available offer.
Dumb moves.
Avila SUCKS!
Why take development time away from players who may have a future and give it to Schoop and Cron.
The 1990s are back.
Development? That’s a rather 1990’s term, isn’t it. In 2019 players “develop” in the minor leagues, and are expected to be plus WAR contributors at the major league level. Cron and Schoop are excellent signings by the Tigers because they can (hopefully) be flipped at the deadline for prospects, and prospects are the key to a rebuild.
So just throw them out to the wolves, when they’re not even close to MLB ready? That sink or swim attitude is how we got JD Martinez.
Garbage time Cron, found another gig. The Tigers will be another team who will be happy to move on from him, as soon as they can
With Schoop and Cron the Tigers May have just earned themselves the #2 pick instead of #1. Looks like the Orioles are back in the pole position.
Unless Royals swoop in and get it
Twenty 2019 home runs equals about 16 popups and an occasional warning track shot.
I like it. Baby steps.
Go Tigers !
Cron joins his third team in as many years? He’s joining his fourth team in as many years.
Congratulations, Tigers. You signed two good ones very economically. You made it much tougher for the Minnesota Twins to face you 19 times in 2020.
The Tigers continue to build a dynasty strategically spending money to win last place -whatever the cost. Thank goodness we now have under rated and raw talents C.J. Cron, and Jonathan Schoop. Hopefully they will sign Willard Wayne Terwilliger (born June 27, 1925) to manage the team. This is a team for the fans.
CJ will hit cleanup. Love this deal.
2 good signings for Tigers we actually now have 2 major league players…but I think both will be here for the whole year…..and both will regret signing here when they realize you cant hit home runs at comerica….bring in right center field….both Ba 250 obp 300 and about 20 homers for each…tigers overpaid a bit to get them…so we only lose 105 instead of 120…but Ill take it…still need pitching help everywhere…..also sign dickerson 2 years 7.5 million a year…and sign every piece of garbage pitcher out there and hope you find the next daniel hudson..
Tigers don’t have people to step into these positions as yet so signing two veterans that can contribute and maybe allow for movement at the deadline is good business. I do recall Cron having a injury concern at the end of the year. Hopefully that is not a continuing issue.
The tigers don’t have enough position players in their system to fill their needs. They desperately need to sign major leaguers to fill the slots for now and at least the short term future.
I like the slugging ability of these two. Get steady play from the new infielders, then improvement from the young guys. Then pitching will be the only problem. Better to have one problem than two.
If Cron gets consistent playing time, he will be fine. Good pick up for the Tigers. Surprised he hasn’t landed a steady gig somewhere. Hopefully he has a good year and gets extended.
Rather see Peraza than School, just from a longer term asset standpoint, but these are much better moves than Jordy and Josh last year
SOLID PICKUP! The Tigers actually added 2 legitimate major league ballplayers. Unlike Mercer, Harrison, Moore, and Ross. I’d like to see them pick up Tuijan Walker now. They really missed the boat by not getting Jose Mazara. He is EXACTLY the type of player the Tigers needed. Could you imagine a lineup of:
1.Goodrum SS
2.Mazara RF
3.Miggy DH
4.Cron !B
5.Schoop 2B
6.Stewart LF
7.Candelaria 3B
8.Romine C
9.Jones/Reyes CF
It sure looks better than last years train wreck.
They’re not going to platoon Jones; he had it figured out before his injury, so he’s going to get a chance to play every day and hit a lot higher in the lineup.
Now go get Cole Calhoun on a two year deal.
Cmon Al….need a right fielder and frankly it’s getting pretty tiresome seeing Calhoun kick our asses
You’re correct, they’re NOT gonna platoon Jones in CF, but I had Mazara in the lineup with hopes of him being a Tiger. Reyes takes his place in RF and bats 2nd.
I’m just not prepared to put up with another season of Christian Stewart in LF. I love the kids bat. I think he has a future as a DH, but his outfield skills are brutal. He takes extremely bad routes, but that’s nothing when you talk about his arm. If there is a weaker arm in the major leagues, I’d like to know who it is. I remember a player tagging from 3rd last year on a shallow fly ball over the SS head. ..Stewart caught it on the fly about 25 feet over the SS head, and the runner tagged and scored.
I would liked to have seen the Tigers at least try him out at 1st base this spring, and see if he could handle it, but it’s too late now..
Yeah, Stewart was basically all they had, so he got the chance, but if he doesn’t hit, he doesn’t play. Both he and Cameron are looking like organizational depth, and it would take a LONG time to develop hitters in their system, so the only option is FA. Mazara would have been a great move.
Perhaps the Minnesota Twins could find C.J. Cron’s replacement in the Winter Leagues, playing first base for Indios de Mayaguez, leading his team in home runs and RBIs, and batting an average of .272. The name of this 29-year-old prospect is Kennys Vargas, currently a free agent with 783 career MLB at bats with a team called the Minnesota Twins. I am sure the guy could be signed on a MiLB Contract with a spring training invite. The chance that Vargas could replace Cron’s 25 home runs and cover first base is strong. At this point, what do the Twins have to lose?