Detroit Tigers need to monitor veteran infielder’s status before he hits free agency

Of all the problems with Detroit Tigers keeping the putter near the bottom of the standings for most of the season before their epic playoff run, the corner infield was near the top of the list.

Struggling to get production at both the first and third base positions, addressing each should be a priority at or near the top of the list for the President of Baseball Operations. Scott Harris as he heads into the winter trying to improve the lineup. Many options were discarded, including Christian Walker And Pete Alonso for first base and of course Alex Bregman for third base, neither of which seem extremely likely unless Detroit is willing to pay.

In terms of the shopping cart, there is one name worth keeping an eye on who has demonstrated the ability to play both positions and the entire infield throughout his career and who could become a free agent if he decides to decline his option. Wilmer Flores belonging San Francisco Giants. Roger Castillo of the Motor City Bengals named Flores a name to watch in Detroit this offseason.

“While injuries have hampered Flores, Harris is familiar with him from his days with the Giants and can play all over the diamond and get on base,” Castillo wrote. “However, there is a team option on Flores for $8.5 million so he can return to San Francisco. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on.”

Flores also has a $3.5 million player option that he could very well exercise after one of his worst seasons of the season. his career in which he only played in 71 games with a .206 batting average and just 4 home runs with 26 RBIs, as well as an abysmal OPS below .600. However, he is also just one year removed from a career season in 2023, where he hit .284 with an OPS of .863 in 126 games with 23 home runs.

If Flores does become a free agent, he won’t cost a ton of money and will show that he can be a significant contributor. If the Tigers want to count on him to produce more when he’s healthy, Flores could be a great budget option this winter, assuming he’s actually available.