DEEPER DISCUSSIONS

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Last week, the Detroit Tigers surprised everyone by finalizing a long-term team-friendly contract with Colt Keith who has yet to play a single game at the MLB level.

And now we’re wondering if the Tigers are going to repeat their strategy with another player at some point in 2024.

In order for this to happen, we have to consider which players have less risk than others.

There are oft-injured players like Riley Greene who would not currently be good candidates, esp. given that he’s just come off Tommy John surgery. 

And then there are Scott Boras’ clients like Jackson Jobe, Jace Jung, Matt Manning, Tarik Skubal and Spencer Torkelson.  Boras has been clear that his job is to get his clients as much money as possible.

So who may be the most likely to be on the short list for extension?

They are currently all outfielders.

KERRY CARPENTER – He was team’s best hitter overall last year and vastly improved his defense where he is no longer a defensive liability.

MAX CLARK – He is the Tigers’ top prospect and ranks among the top 20 in all of MLB.  He is believed to become a multi-tool player and has surprised us all by being invited to spring training so early on.

PARKER MEADOWS – He has elite speed and in the short time he was with the Tigers at the end of last year, he is one of their best defensive players covering the most difficult position – CF.

If you could extend only 1 of these players, who would it be?

Today’s blog addresses this dilemma and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!

For this one blog only, you’ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.

TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.

Ready?

Make sure to come back and check the final results!

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FINAL RESULTS FROM A JANUARY TOTALLY TIGERS POLL:

What is the biggest reason for such a high turnover in the Tigers’ pitching?

  • The new Front Office is placing more focus on pitchers who control the strike zone, have a higher SO ratio and keep runners off the bases.  82%    
  • The new player development system has determined they have leveled out in their development.  18%   

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9 thoughts on “DEEPER DISCUSSIONS”

  1. For me it’s a simple elimination. Parker has not shown enough offensively for that type of commitment. I too am surprised that Max is invited after being drafted out of high school. It’s simply to early to commit to Clark. Kerry is the type of quality individual who could become a franchise pillar for all the right reasons. His work ethic and the improvements he’s already accomplished make him my choice.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Max Clark. That kid could be some kind of special. I don’t think the money would go to his head cause he’s supposed to be a fierce competitor with a great work ethic.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. I love Carpenter’s story and rise to success beyond the organization’s expectations, but his skills are the most replaceable on the market. Meadows is a candidate but I agree with naldo482 about his hitting. I would buy out Clark’s arb years and more as Harris drafted him over Langford and his several tools are supposed to make him the Corbin Carroll dynamo of this franchise.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Yes, Clark in 2025, if he continues to improve. He’ll be spending 2024 working his way to and succeeding in AAA Mud Hens.

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  5. With Keith, Tigers are on the hook for roughly $31 MM over 6 years — $5.2 MM per year. This is not a terrible risk at a time when team payrolls are $100 MM. To get a Carpenter or a Greene (both eligible for arbitration in 2026), Tigers would need to offer $10 MM + per year to get 6 years plus a couple of option years. Starting to be serious money. If Clark has a good first half of 2024 (wherever he is) a deal similar to Keith’s make sense.

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  6. lcb I really respect your opinions so I have to ask. How soon do you feel Clark could realistically be in the show? To buy out his arbitration wouldn’t he have to be close to the D?

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  7. Max Clark, not that he would accept, but he is your future face of the team and your CF. He wants to be the face and the team leader. Not sure how Tork and Greene, the current young stars, accept his outgoing personality, but if the Tigers are counting on home-grown talent to take them far, he is their best bet.

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