The Detroit Tigers declared their rebuild over prior to the 2022 season. They had just poured money into shortstop Javier Baez and starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Their activity in MLB free agency was supposed to help a revitalized franchise return to the postseason.

However, it didn’t happen. Baez was hot and cold all season, and Rodriguez spent a lot of time away from the diamond. The Tigers suffered injuries at every turn, and some of their young prospects struggled in their first major league action.

The poor season led to the firing of general manager Al Avila. Avila, the father of former Tigers catcher Alex Avila, led the team’s front office for seven seasons prior to his August dismissal.

MLB
MLB Free Agency Won't Truly Start Until Aaron Judge Makes a Decision

In his place is former Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants executive Scott Harris. Harris brings a different approach to the front office, and has a lot of work ahead of him.

At this year’s GM meetings, the new president of baseball operations in Detroit mentioned specific items on his winter wishlist. A left-handed hitting infielder, a right-handed hitting outfielder, and more pitching.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at three free agents the Tigers must target in 2022 MLB free agency.

 

3) Infielder Adam Frazier

For the left-handed hitting infielder, there were only two options that felt right. First baseman Anthony Rizzo hits left-handed, but he’ll cost a pretty penny and it doesn’t seem likely Detroit will give up on Spencer Torkelson after one year.

That leaves Frazier as the other option. He is less exciting than a move for Rizzo would be, but he represents an upgrade for the Tigers at second base.