The Detroit Tigers shed their large financial commitment to Prince Fielder two weeks ago, traded Doug Fister on Monday, and they are not wasting any time thinking of ways to spend the extra money.
On Tuesday, the Tigers agreed to a two-year deal with closer Joe Nathan that is said to be worth around $20 million for two years. Detroit is also said to be pursuing free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.
Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News says the Tigers are “hot for a left-handed outfield bat” and that Choo is their top target.
Choo is considered one of the top free agent hitters on the market. Robinson Cano, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran are some of the other top players available.
Choo turned down a qualifying offer from the Cincinnati Reds, meaning the team that signs him would have to forfeit a draft pick. Reports have said agent Scott Boras is seeking a nine-figure contract for Choo similar to the $126 million contract Jayson Werth received from the Nationals.
Choo, 31, is a career .288 hitter with an .854 career OPS. Though he has topped out at 22 home runs, his specialty is getting on base. He has posted an OBP of .390 or higher four times, and that will likely be one of Boras’ strongest selling points for his client.
