The team signed shortstop Jordy Mercer to a minor-league deal Thursday. Mercer, who spent 2019 with the Tigers, will compete for a roster spot in spring training, likely as a utility man.
Mercer, 33, was supposed to be Detroit's starting shortstop last season, but was sidelined by a quad injury for much of the year. He was much better in the second half, hitting .325 with an .825 OPS over August and September.
In addition to shortstop, he spent some time at first, second and third during that stretch, so he offers the Tigers some versatility.
Entering spring training, Niko Goodrum is the leading candidate to start at short. 22-year-old Willi Castro will have a say as well, but the Tigers would likely rather have him start the year in Triple-A.
Along with Mercer, Harold Castro and Brandon Dixon will be vying for utility roles this spring.