As the Tigers gear up for another challenging offseason, Detroit Sports Addiction has put together a crucial “Offseason Wish List” to guide the team towards a successful upcoming season. There are five key areas that we feel the Tigers need to address to strengthen their roster and make another playoff push in 2025.
Add 2 Starting Pitchers
Address Third Base
Add a Catcher
Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks, heading into the Winter Meetings, as we dive into each of these priorities and explore potential free agent solutions that could help propel the Detroit Tigers to a deep playoff run.
Add a catcher
Securing a reliable catcher is crucial for the Tigers t0 bolster their defense and provide continued stability behind the plate. Here are two potential free agent candidates:
Carson Kelly
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 1 years/ $8m
2024 Stats: 0.5 WAR, 67 Hits, 9 HR, 37 RBI, .238 BA, .313 OBP, .687 OPS, 96 OPS+
Potential Fit: Platoon with Jake Rogers
Signing Likelihood: Moderate-High
As one of the youngest catchers hitting the market, it makes sense for Harris to pursue a reunion with Kelly for the 2025 season. Detroit is already familiar with his skillset, and he knows the pitching staff well, allowing him to reintegrate smoothly.
Danny Jansen
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 2 years/$8.75m ($4.375m/yr)
2024 Stats: 0.7 WAR, 57 Hits, 9 HR, 24 RBI, .205 BA, .309 OBP, .658 OPS, 87 OPS+, 12.3% BB Rate, 14 Blocks Above Average (100th percentile)
Potential Fit: Platoon with Jake Rogers
Signing Likelihood: Low-Moderate
Despite low offensive numbers, Jansen fits the mold of “owning the strikezone” due to his discipline at th eplate. He doesn’t chase or strikeout at high rates and walks well above the MLB average. He could be a good fit while Detroit allows Dillon Dingler more time to mature in Toledo and No. 6 Prospect Liranzo and No. 9 Prospect Brinceno to develop and work their way through the system.
Adding a catcher like Kelly or Jansen would provide the Tigers with a solid platoon option alongside Jake Rogers, ensuring a strong defensive presence and continuity behind the plate.